(JUBA) – Eight traders from Panyijiar County in Unity State who were kidnapped last weekend by armed groups in Yirol East County, Lakes State, have been freed and reunited with their families.
The victims, among them one woman who gave birth while in captivity, were rescued along with 62 cattle and one goat. They were formally handed over to the Panyijiar community in Awerial County.
Awerial County Commissioner Philip Mawut Deng confirmed the release, stating that it followed direct instructions from the governor of Lakes State. According to him, the traders were found in the Ramciel area under the protection of a soldier who played a role in securing their freedom.
“They were handed over to their relatives as directed by the governor. We found them in Ramciel under the protection of a soldier, brought them to Awerial, and then handed them to five community representatives who came from Juba,” Commissioner Deng explained.
Panyijiar County Commissioner Gabriel Majok Bol also confirmed the handover, which was attended by members of the Panyijiar community who had travelled to Awerial. He said the victims were then transported to Juba on Wednesday to reunite with their families.
Commissioner Majok expressed gratitude to the leadership in Awerial for their role in securing the release, but he also called for accountability for those responsible for the abduction.
The incident occurred on 14 September along the border between Lakes and Jonglei states when armed youth attacked the traders’ boat and forced them into the forest.
There had been speculation that money was paid to secure the release, but Commissioner Majok denied this.
“It is not true that any ransom was paid. I asked them during the handover, and they confirmed no money was given,” he said.
He credited the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) for their support, noting that soldiers stationed along the rivers played an important role in ensuring the safe release of the captives.
Panyijiar community chairperson William Yien Kuol confirmed the successful handover.
“All eight people were released and are now safe. We took them to Juba to reunite them with their family members,” he said, adding thanks to Commissioner Deng and the Awerial authorities for their efforts.
Eight Traders and Livestock Rescued in Yirol East
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Number of traders rescued | 8 (including one woman who gave birth in captivity) |
| Location of abduction | Yirol East County, Lakes State |
| Date of abduction | 14 September 2025 |
| Items recovered | 62 cattle and 1 goat |
| Release location | Ramciel, Lakes State, handed over in Awerial County |
| Key officials involved | Gov. of Lakes State, Commissioners Deng and Majok |
| Ransom paid | None, according to officials and victims |
| Security forces involved | South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) |
