By Matik Kueth
The government of Unity State has confirmed the deaths of four traders and the disappearance of six others following a deadly riverine ambush on June 27 at Shambek Port in Yirol East, Lakes State.
In an official statement extended to King Media on Tuesday, Unity State’s Minister of Information, Gatwech Biphal, revealed that the victims were part of a group of 53 traders who had departed from Panyijiar County last Friday, en route to Juba City.
He said the journey had progressed smoothly, particularly after the group entered Lakes State, where Yirol East County authorities began escorting them.
However, the situation turned tragic just hours later when the traders’ boat was ambushed by an armed group from Wangthok checkpoint.
Biphal explained that armed assailants attacked Wangthok, near Shambek Port, overpowering the police escort and opening fire on the traders, prompting many to flee into nearby swamps to escape the gunfire.
“At 4:00 PM on the same day, the criminals appeared in Wangthok at Shambek Port and randomly opened fire on the boat after overwhelming the escorting police officer. The ambush forced the panicked traders to flee into the surrounding swamp,” Biphal stated.
He confirmed that 42 survivors have since returned to Unity State, though one woman and the boat remain in the custody of Shambek Port authorities.
Biphal condemned the attack, describing the assailants as “youths believed to be from Lake State,” and urged for restraint and calm in its aftermath.
“Revenge tendencies ought to stop. We appeal to all citizens of Unity State, especially the youth and the family whose beloved ones died to remain calm and refrain from retaliation. Let the laws take its course without impedance or revenge tendencies,” he said.
Calling for accountability, the information minister extended the government’s “heartfelt condolences” to grieving families and urged Lakes State authorities to apprehend those responsible and ensure justice is served.
Lakes State’s information minister, Paul Chadit, acknowledged the incident but said he could not confirm details due to ongoing tensions between Panyijiar County and Yirol East County.
The motive behind the ambush remains unclear. However, the attack comes amid escalating tensions between communities in Lakes State and Panyijiar County of Unity State.
These tensions have been fueled by recurring cattle raiding, reportedly carried out by armed youth from Panyijiar.
The situation appears to be deteriorating further, with allegations emerging of aerial bombardments by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), allegedly supported by Ugandan forces throughout last week.
This tragic incident underscores the increasingly fragile security environment along South Sudan’s river transport corridors and highlights the urgent need for enhanced protection of civilians and traders navigating inter-state routes.
The attack not only deepens existing intercommunal wounds but also points to the critical need for cross-state collaboration to ensure the safety and security of trade and travel across South Sudan’s vital waterways.