Governor Louis Lobong has launched an investigation into the killing of 7 people in Lowoi Payam over the weekend in Eastern Equatoria state.
Unknown assailants reportedly attacked a group of people from Akaya village who had gone into the forest to harvest bamboo sticks. The gunmen killed 2 women and 5 men.
They also wounded 2 others and abducted a 16-year-old girl.
“They were killed while cutting bamboo for sale so that they can get money to buy food for their children. They [attackers] took away a girl of 16 years,” said Sultan Khamis Thomas, Chief of Lowoi Payam.
He appealed to the state government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The State Minister of Information and Communication confirmed that a committee has been established by the governor to investigate and trace the whereabouts of the attackers.
“This incident happened and the State [government] did its best through our organized forces and other members sent to investigate the matter. We will give full detail when they come back,” Patrick Oting Ciprian stated.
He further condemned the attack and urged those with armed to refrain from such unwarranted attacks.