Unknown bandits reportedly undressed travelers and sprayed them with bullets after looting their properties along Chukudum- Kikilai road in Budi County, Eastern Equatoria state on Tuesday.
At least two people died in the dreadful incident.
Police say a commercial vehicle belonging to a Kenyan driver returning from Kikilai village was attacked at 9 AM in Lotibok stream of Betalado Boma. The vehicle had just delivered a grinding machine to the area.
Philip Odongi, the Area Police Inspector said the bandits stopped the vehicle, put the driver and passengers at a gun point, then undressed all the travellers and sprayed them with bullets.
“Two people were killed and 4 were wounded about 5 kilometers from Chukudum town. They took every thing and the vehicle was shoot all over. We received this information late, and we immediately rushed there and brought the wounded people and the dead bodies,” he narrated.
Odongi said the police is yet to apprehend any suspect.
“We sent the police to pull that vehicle to the town here.”
Budi County has continuously witnessed incidents of road ambushes from bandits who seem to evade capture from the authorities.
The incident created fear and panic among traders leading to the closure of businesses in Camp15.
Locals say the State government has struggled to restore confidence among travellers on the treacherous Torit-Kapoeta road, and Chukudum and Kimotong roads.
A State Member of Parliament representing constituency number 19 in Budi described the latest incident as grievous.
“It is a very grievous incident that has really created a very serious alert and it breaks the hearts of many people – especially the people of Budi,” Hon. Peter Bosco Lotyiang stated.
“[We] are approaching the concerned authority to see how we can address the issue…we know many things have happen that has not been addressed, but I believe we shall continue to see how it is addressed.”