By Baraka John
Families, civil society leaders and community representatives in Ibba County are calling on the government to intensify efforts to locate two traders who disappeared along the Juba–Yambio road nearly two months ago.
The missing traders, Emmanuel Kuye and Peter Zapiere, disappeared while travelling from Juba to Yambio after purchasing goods for their businesses. According to their families, they lost contact with the two men shortly after they left Juba on May 26, 2026, and no information about their whereabouts has emerged since.
Joice Santo, the sister of Peter Zapiere, said the family continues to endure uncertainty and hardship as they search for answers.
“We do not know where he is. We need him back, and we are asking people to support us in finding our brother,” she said.
Peter Zapiere’s wife, Pursila Bullen, said the family was devastated by his disappearance, noting that some of his personal belongings, including clothes, shoes and a jacket, were reportedly found, but there has been no information on his whereabouts.
“He has three wives and 14 children. We are not happy because we cannot survive without him. The government should help us look for our husbands and support the children,” she appealed.
The Chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Western Equatoria State, Wanga Emmanuel, condemned the disappearance of the two traders, describing it as a serious human rights violation that threatens both civilians and business activities in the state.
“We strongly condemn this action. Kidnapping is like killing because families are left without knowing whether their loved ones are alive or dead,” Wanga said.
He stressed that traders play a vital role in supplying essential goods and supporting local communities, adding that their safety must be protected.
Wanga called on the government and security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice. He also appealed to anyone holding the two traders to release them immediately and allow them to return safely to their families.
Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela said the Western Equatoria State Government is continuing efforts to determine the fate of the missing traders.
“Up to now, we still do not know where they are. We are working with people on the ground along the route where we suspect they disappeared. We want to establish whether they are still alive or whether they were killed so that their families can know the truth,” Tetela said.
Tetela reaffirmed the state’s commitment to pursuing the case until the fate of the two traders is established.