Bandit Roadblock Disrupts Local Travel in Morobo

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Armed bandits set up a roadblock on Tuesday in Morobo County, Central Equatoria State, detaining and robbing the editor in chief of Iyete FM, pupils, and local farmers.

Bidali Hillary, the Iyete FM editor, told media that the incident took place around 8:45 a.m. as he was returning from a funeral in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The bandits, believed to be operating in U’dudra Village of Lujule Payam’s Kembe Boma, held several people, including pupils from Umbaci Keliko Primary School and farmers working in the area.

“Pupils, farmers, and other travellers were held for six hours. The ambush was likely set up as early as 5:00 a.m.,” Hillary said. “I arrived at the scene at 8:45 a.m. on my way back from DRC.”

The armed men confiscated all of Hillary’s work equipment, including his laptop, recorder, and smartphone. “This is the second time my work items have been looted. The first was in December 2022. I am desperate and do not know what to do,” he added. Hillary has appealed to well wishers for assistance in replacing his work tools.

Draga Elnoma, Iyete FM station manager, confirmed the attack and said the loss of the editor’s equipment was a major setback for the station. The incident was reported to the county authorities.

Morobo County Commissioner Charles Data Bullen told media through the County Press Office that several people were affected by the bandit attack. “The incident happened not only to Hillary, but other people were involved,” he said. He declined to provide further details at the time.

The attack has once again revealed ongoing security challenges in Morobo County, which pose risks to journalists, residents, and those travelling between South Sudan and neighbouring countries.

Radio Editor Robbed on Return from DRC