Several civilians were killed in South Sudan after gunmen allegedly lured villagers from their homes with promises of humanitarian aid, according to two survivors. The attack occurred in Pankor village in Ayod County, Jonglei State, roughly 250 miles north of the capital, Juba. Women and children were among those killed.
The survivors, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said dozens of fighters arrived in pickup trucks and used a loudspeaker to announce they were registering residents for food assistance. Villagers were put inside a traditional cattle hut known as a luak, believing they would receive aid.
Instead, the gunmen reportedly bound several men’s hands and opened fire. The two witnesses said 22 people were killed and several others wounded, while the government-appointed county commissioner put the death toll at 16.
Also read: Dutch king swears in new coalition govt led by Rob Jetten
James Chuol Jiek, Ayod County’s commissioner, confirmed that mostly women and children were killed. He identified the attackers as members of the Agwelek militia, a predominantly Shilluk force not fully integrated into the national army, but active in recent military operations.
Jiek said the fighters left their barracks overnight without their commander’s knowledge and later claimed the killings were revenge for attacks by a Nuer militia on Shilluk communities in 2022. He condemned the violence, said several officers had been arrested and 150 fighters disarmed, and rejected allegations that villagers were deceived with promises of aid, calling that claim an opposition fabrication.
Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang was not immediately available for comment. The incident comes amid heightened tensions in Jonglei state.
Follow us
