(Panyijiar) – A devastating attack on a civilian boat travelling from Panyijiar to Bor has left at least 42 people dead, according to local sources in Unity State.
The ambush reportedly carried out by armed youths from neighbouring Lakes State has sparked widespread grief and renewed fears over rising insecurity along South Sudan’s vital river transport routes.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 28 June 2025, along a stretch of the River Nile that lies between volatile border areas, where intercommunal violence has been common.
While exact coordinates of the ambush have not been released, sources familiar with the matter said the boat was travelling through a high risk area when it came under attack.
Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the victims were all civilians, including women and children, who were on board for trade or medical travel. Most were unarmed and had no connection to any armed group. A confidential source from Panyijiar reported that 39 of the dead were from Panyijiar County and three were from Leer County.
Local authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased, citing ongoing efforts to identify the victims and notify their families. The process is being handled with caution due to the highly sensitive nature of the tragedy and its potential to escalate existing tensions.
“This is a dark day for our people,” said a community leader in Panyijiar. “They were not soldiers. They were not armed. They were simply trying to travel for business and medical help. What happened to them is nothing short of a massacre.”
No official comment has yet been made by the national government in Juba or by representatives from Lakes State. However, the attack has been widely condemned by local communities, civil society groups, and humanitarian observers who say it highlights the ongoing failure to protect civilians in conflict-affected regions.
Civil society activists have called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the attack, demanding that the perpetrators be brought to justice. They have also urged the immediate deployment of national security forces to guard major road and river corridors, particularly in hotspots where violence is known to erupt.
Security experts note that this attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents across South Sudan involving armed groups, often linked to local disputes over land, cattle, or political influence. Such incidents are known to spark cycles of revenge, putting more lives at risk and undermining national peace efforts.
The use of the Nile as a travel and trade route is vital for communities in Unity, Jonglei, and Lakes states, especially during rainy seasons when roads become impassable. Attacks like this not only take lives but also disrupt humanitarian access, economic activity, and medical services in already vulnerable areas.
In the wake of the killings, residents in Panyijiar and Leer have gathered to mourn the victims and call for calm. Religious leaders and peacebuilders have appealed to both communities to avoid retaliation and focus on dialogue and reconciliation.
