Deadly ambush on Yambio–Juba bound passenger vehicle sparks fear, outrage
The ambush comes amid rising insecurity in Yambio Town, where residents have reported increased gun violence, including night-time shootings and arson attacks targeting individuals’ homes.
By Emmanuel Mandella
A woman was shot dead, six others injured when unknown gunmen ambushed a passenger vehicle along the Yambio–Juba Road on Monday morning, raising fresh concerns about security in area.
The attack occurred at around 6am, between Riimenze Boma of Bangasu Payam and Makpandu Camp in Yambio County, approximately 30 kilometers from Yambio Town.
Acting Police Commissioner in Western Equatoria State, Major General Samuel Tet confirmed the incident, urging residents to avoid early morning and late evening travel until security is fully restored.
“We received information in the morning (on Monday) about the attack which took place at around 6 a.m. One woman was killed, and six other passengers sustained injuries,” Gen. Tet told The City Review.
He added that security forces responded but the arrived when the attacked had vanished into the thicket, around the area of the ambush.
Moses Miamangawi, a youth leader of Bangasu Payam, described the chilling moment when gunfire erupted.
“At around 5 a.m., I heard a gunshot. At first, it was just one shot, but shortly after, there were many gunshots along the roadside. I moved towards the area to take a look, but within an hour, the gunfire stopped. The attackers had disappeared,” he recounted.
The attack, Miamangawi said, has left the community in fear, with many residents now fearing to travel.
“People are afraid. The criminals are still close to Riimenze, and many have not gone about their normal duties due to fear and panic,” he added.
State Minister for General Education and Instruction, Grace Apollo Musa, who is a relative to the deceased, identified her as Jenty Doka.
“It was around 4:30 a.m. when the wife of the late Charles Baiwo, along with her daughters and other family members, left Yambio for Juba. At around 6:30 a.m., I received a call informing me that they had been ambushed,” she said.
“We did not know who had passed away at first, but later, it was confirmed that my relative, Jenty Doka, was shot in the head and died,” she stated. “The wife of the late Charles Baiwo and their daughters were injured, and their condition is critical.”
Among the injured is a young boy, who suffered severe leg fractures. Security forces have since been deployed to the area to investigate and restore order.
The ambush comes amid rising insecurity in Yambio Town, where residents have reported increased gun violence, including night-time shootings and arson attacks targeting individuals’ homes.
Over the past two weeks, multiple gunfire incidences have occurred across different neighborhoods, leaving residents in fear.
Last Thursday, unknown gunmen shot at a local businessman near Hai Baiparu residential area, injuring him before fleeing the scene. In another case, the home of a trader in Yambio Market was set ablaze, forcing the family to flee for safety.
“The situation is worsening. People are afraid to move around at night because gunmen seem to be targeting homes and businesses,” said Mamu William, a resident of Yambio Town.
The recent surge in violence has disrupted daily life in Yambio Town as many businesses are closing earlier than usual, and some families have relocated to safer areas.
“We can’t sleep at night because of the gunfire. We hear shots many times, and sometimes houses are burned. We feel helpless,” said a mother of four residing in Yambio.
Authorities have assured the public that security measures are being reinforced to curb the attacks. However, residents are calling for immediate action to prevent further loss of lives.
With gunmen still at large and fear spreading across Yambio and surrounding areas, the question remains: For how long will residents live in fear before security is beefed up?
“We did not know who had passed away at first, but later, it was confirmed that my relative, Jenty Doka, was shot in the head and died,” said WES Minister for General Education and Instruction, Grace Apollo Musa, who is a relative to the deceased.
