25 Abducted Passengers Released After Road Ambushes

(MUNDRI EAST COUNTY) -Twenty-five passengers abducted during separate attacks along the Juba-Mundri Road in Western Equatoria State have been released by their captors.

According to UN Radio Miraya, the passengers were among about 30 people abducted during ambushes between Lui and Lanyi in Mundri East County on Saturday.

Authorities say armed attackers stopped several vehicles, robbed passengers of their belongings and abducted travellers. Some of the vehicles were also set on fire during the attacks.

Acting Executive Director of Mundri East County, Benson George Papa, confirmed that 25 of the abducted passengers were released on Sunday morning and arrived safely in Lanyi.

However, he said several people are still unaccounted for, and efforts to establish their whereabouts are ongoing.

The identity of the attackers and the motive behind the attacks remain unclear.

Benson George Papa condemned the incidents and called on armed groups operating in the area to respect and protect civilians.

The attacks have raised renewed concerns over the safety of travellers using the Juba-Mundri Road, a key transport route linking parts of Western Equatoria State.