Jonglei Governor Visits Families of 17 Killed in Duk Payuel Attack

(BOR) – The Governor of Jonglei State has visited families of the 17 people killed in the recent attack at Duk Payuel, as anger grows over repeated assaults on civilians and aid workers in the area.

Dr Riek Gai Kok sent a delegation to Duk Payuel to offer condolences and to stand with the bereaved families.

The visit followed an earlier trip to the area by the Commissioner of Twic East County, Hon James Magok Mabiei, who was joined by traditional chiefs and youth leaders. That delegation had called for unity and peace during the mourning period.

Speaking for Governor Dr Riek Gai Kok, the State Minister of General Education and Instruction, Hon Ador Thon, delivered the Governor’s deepest sympathies to the families and the wider community.

He condemned what he called a barbaric attack that killed 17 innocent civilians. Among the dead was a respected youth leader, Thon Biliu Bol. Hon Ador Thon described the killings as a senseless act of violence that must never be tolerated.

The minister also condemned continued attacks on humanitarian organisations, civilian vehicles, and the John Dau Foundation. He said the foundation’s staff work to improve lives across Jonglei State, including in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. He stressed that humanitarian workers and peace actors should never be targeted while carrying out their duties.

The governor’s visit came days after he returned to Bor from a peace mission across northern Jonglei. That mission aimed to strengthen peace, reconciliation and unity among local communities.

Governor Riek engaged the Ayual community of Twic East County and the Hol community of Duk County.

The dialogue helped resolve longstanding communal tensions and confirmed the peace agreement reached in 2025. Both communities renewed their commitment to lasting peace and coexistence.

The governor praised traditional leaders, youth, women, religious leaders, local authorities and community members for choosing dialogue over conflict. He said sustainable peace is necessary for development, security and the wellbeing of the people of Jonglei State.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to carrying out the resolutions reached during the peace mission and called on all parties to keep working to preserve harmony, strengthen trust and prevent future violence.

The attack at Duk Payuel has drawn widespread condemnation. Earlier, ten foreign missions and the European Union delegation in South Sudan issued a joint statement demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

The statement named Canada, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States as signatories. The victims were employed by the John Dau Foundation, a national health organisation that runs clinics and nutrition programmes in remote parts of Jonglei State.

South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous places for aid workers globally. The United Nations has recorded dozens of attacks on relief operations across the country since the start of the year.

Funding shortages have already forced several agencies to scale down activities, leaving millions of people in need of food, medicine and protection.