The former SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces Gen. Gabriel Jok Riak has survived a road ambush, according to the spokesperson of the South Sudan People Defense Forces.
Major General Lul Ruai, in a statement issued on Tuesday, said the former chief was attacked on Monday while on his way to Juba from Jonglei.
“Gen. Gabriel was en route to Juba via Kolnyang-Mareng Junction, when armed men from nearby bushes jumped onto the highway and opened fire,” Lul said.
The army said Gen. Jok is “safe and sound”. The General’s bodyguards reportedly returned fire forcing the attackers to retreat.
Lul said there was intervention from National Security Service soldiers that later helped in the arrest of the suspects, who are currently under detention in Bor.
“…two suspects were arrested at crime scene and two more from Kolnyang village. The four suspects are currently detained at Bor Police Station,” Lul stated.
The army spokesperson said more thorough investigation is being undertaken into the matter.
General Gabriel Jok Riak was appointed by president Salva Kiir in 2018 as chief of defense forces and later relieved and replaced with Lt. Gen. Johnson Juma Okot in 2020.
