Two South Sudanese Students Killed in Jonglei Ambush While Returning from Ethiopia

(AKOBO) – Two university students from South Sudan were shot dead in an ambush in Akobo West, Jonglei State, while travelling from Ethiopia to Uror County for their school holidays, local officials confirmed.

The incident took place on Sunday in the remote Dwa-Achan desert area on the outskirts of Akobo West. The students were part of a group of around 12 who were returning home after schools in Ethiopia closed for the July holidays.

Benson Gatwech, the Executive Secretary for Akobo County, told Radio Tamazuj that the group came under attack while passing through the desert.

“The deceased were in the company of about 10 other students when they were attacked in the Dwa-Achan desert in Akobo West. Two were killed on the spot and others escaped,” he said. “Those who escaped arrived safely in Kaykuiny in Walgak and informed us of the killing.”

According to Gatwech, the victims were university students originally from Uror County and were heading home to visit their families. The names of the victims have not yet been officially released by authorities.

One of the victims has been identified by family members as Majok Ker. Gatluak Bol, a resident of Yuai and cousin of Majok, confirmed the tragic news.

“Those who were attacked are university students. They were moving from schools in Ethiopia through Akobo to join us,” he said. “One of my relatives, a cousin called Majok Ker, was killed. We are not happy. Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) youth should stop killing students.”

Local communities have expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the killing of unarmed students, urging an end to such violent attacks on civilians, especially youth pursuing education.

Efforts to get a response from authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, which shares borders with Jonglei State and is often linked to cross border raids and violence, were unsuccessful. The GPAA cabinet has recently been dissolved, and Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi could not be reached for comment.

Incidents of roadside ambushes and intercommunal violence have remained a major security concern across Jonglei and neighbouring administrative areas, often targeting travellers, herders and returnees.

Summary of Incident