Morobo Midwife Abducted After Attack on Aid Vehicle Near Yei

(MOROBO) – Authorities in Central Equatoria’s Morobo County have condemned the armed attack on a Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) vehicle that occurred on 25 July 2025, leading to the abduction of a local midwife. The incident has been described as a targeted assault on humanitarian operations and sparked calls for an immediate investigation and the safe release of the victim.

According to an official statement issued by the Office of the Commissioner in Morobo County, the MSF vehicle was attacked between 10am and 11am while returning from Yei, approximately six miles from the town. The team had earlier transported referred patients from Morobo to healthcare facilities in Yei.

During the incident, a midwife identified as Ms Pita Rejoice, who is attached to the Morobo Primary Health Care Centre, was forcibly taken by unidentified armed individuals. Her current whereabouts remain unknown. The motive behind the abduction has not been confirmed and no group has claimed responsibility.

Morobo County Commissioner, Hon. Charles Data Bullen, strongly condemned the act, describing it as a serious threat to humanitarian work and healthcare delivery in the region.

“This act is not only a direct assault on humanitarian work and healthcare delivery in our region, but it also endangers the lives of patients and health workers who are working tirelessly to save lives under difficult conditions,” the Commissioner stated.

He appealed for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted health worker, and called on national security agencies, the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM), the Red Cross, and other relevant organisations to investigate the incident and support rescue efforts.

The County Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding humanitarian missions and expressed solidarity with MSF and the family of the abducted midwife during what it described as a “difficult time.” No additional injuries or casualties were reported during the incident.

Healthcare workers and aid organisations continue to face security threats in conflict affected and remote parts of South Sudan. Many travel under high risk to reach people in need, especially in hard to access rural counties like Morobo in Central Equatoria State.

Bullen urged communities to continue supporting those who work to provide essential services, saying the government remains focused on ensuring that such acts of violence do not disrupt life saving interventions.

The economic cost of insecurity on health service delivery remains high. Although no financial value was placed on the attack, the interruption of medical referrals, increased risks for health professionals and the psychological toll on communities are significant.

Summary of the known facts of the Kidnapping Case

Detail	Information
Date of Incident	25 July 2025
Location	6 miles outside Yei town
Victim	Ms Pita Rejoice, midwife
Organisation Affected	Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Nature of Incident	Armed attack and abduction
Current Status	Victim remains missing
Authorities’ Response	Call for investigation and safe return

The Morobo County Commissioner has provided contact details for further coordination or information related to the incident.