(TORIT) – The Government of Eastern Equatoria State has formally called on the authorities of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area to investigate and arrest those responsible for a violent ambush on the Torit–Juba Highway on 26 May 2025. The attack, which occurred near the Kor Delep area, claimed the lives of two civilians and injured four others.
According to the State Minister of Information, Hon. Elia John Ahaji, the ambush was carried out by armed youth suspected to be from the Murle community. The attackers targeted two young men from Torit County who were engaged in charcoal burning activities near the highway. The armed group threatened them at gunpoint and awaited a passing vehicle.
Hon. Elia explained that shortly after midday, a business vehicle travelling from Torit to Juba arrived at the location. The attackers then opened fire on the vehicle. While the two charcoal burners managed to escape, the gunmen pursued them and simultaneously shot at the vehicle. The driver and a passenger from Jonglei State were killed in the incident.
“The attack was not just a criminal act, but a serious threat to the peace and security along one of the country’s major highways,” Hon. Elia said. “We urge our brothers in the Murle community and the Greater Pibor Administration to help bring the attackers to justice.”
In a public appeal, the Eastern Equatoria government condemned the violence and called on the Greater Pibor authorities to take swift action. Hon. Elia described the perpetrators as criminals who have “chosen to survive through illegal means” and stated that the incident undermines the peaceful coexistence between the neighbouring communities.
“We have always maintained a cooperative relationship with Greater Pibor,” he added. “We don’t want this relationship to be damaged by the actions of a few. It is essential that those involved in this ambush are identified, apprehended, and held accountable according to the law.”
The government has taken initial steps in responding to the incident. According to Hon. Elia, state security forces and local youth have tracked the attackers’ footprints towards the Lafon desert area. Authorities believe the suspects fled in that direction after the ambush.
Security officials report that the highway remains open and that transport activities have resumed as normal. Hon. Elia reassured the public that there is no current threat along the road.
“Our road is safe,” he stated. “Vehicles are moving, people are doing business as usual. These criminals came from outside and have since fled. But we continue to monitor the situation.”
In a wider security message, the government called on local communities, particularly in Lafon, Lopit and Torit West, to stay alert. Hon. Elia warned of increased criminal activity in forests and remote areas, including child abductions and cattle raiding, allegedly by Murle youth crossing into Eastern Equatoria.
“We appeal to our youth to remain vigilant, especially in protecting our children and livestock,” he said. “These activities threaten the lives and livelihoods of our people.”
The State Government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security throughout Eastern Equatoria. Officials stress that community cooperation is essential in preventing further attacks and ensuring that those responsible for crimes are brought to justice.
