(ABYEI) — Two police officers stationed in the Abyei Administrative Area were shot dead during an early morning attack by armed men believed to be from the Sudanese Misseriya tribe, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The incident took place at around 1:00 a.m. at the community police post located inside Amet Market.
The Minister of Information for the Abyei Administrative Area, Yohana Akol, stated that the attackers, three armed individuals on a motorcycle, approached the station pretending to be handing over a suspect.
As the officers opened the station door, the attackers suddenly fired on them, killing both policemen instantly. The victims were not named, but are believed to be community officers from the area, part of local efforts to maintain peace in the contested border zone.
The gunmen also injured two other people being held in police custody, a man and a woman, who are now receiving medical treatment for gunshot wounds. They then freed a detainee who had been arrested the previous day over allegations of motorcycle theft.
Mr Akol described the incident as a calculated rescue operation.
“They came under the pretence of handing over a suspect. When the officers responded, they shot and killed them instantly,” he said. “They then injured two detainees and freed their colleague before fleeing the scene.”
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, the local security committee ordered the closure of Amet Market until further notice. The decision was taken as a precaution to restore calm and allow for a proper investigation.
The Abyei region, located along the disputed border between South Sudan and Sudan, has long been a flashpoint for violence involving the Misseriya and Ngok Dinka communities. Tensions often escalate over land, seasonal migration rights, and criminal allegations.
The use of disguise in the attack has raised concerns among security personnel and local leaders.
The suspects are believed to have crossed from Sudan’s side, which has previously been a route used by armed Misseriya militias. No arrests have been made as of yet.
The estimated cost of public disruption due to the market closure and emergency response is not immediately clear. However, Amet Market is a key local hub, and its shutdown is expected to affect trade and livelihoods in the short term.
Incident Summary
| Incident Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Amet Market, Abyei Administrative Area |
| Time of Attack | Around 1:00 a.m., Tuesday |
| Attackers | 3 armed men on motorcycle (Misseriya tribe) |
| Officers Killed | 2 |
| Detainees Injured | 2 (1 man, 1 woman) |
| Detainee Freed | 1 (accused of motorcycle theft) |
| Market Status | Closed until further notice |
The Abyei Administrative Area continues to face complex political and security challenges as it remains contested between Sudan and South Sudan. Although the area is under South Sudanese administrative control and supported by UN peacekeepers, such attacks highlight the fragility of local law enforcement in the region.
The government of South Sudan has not yet issued an official response.