South Sudanese officials have secured the release of eight Unity State traders who were abducted by armed criminals in Yirol East, Lakes State, last weekend.
The victims, including a woman who delivered a baby while in captivity, were rescued and formally handed over to the Panyijiar community in Awerial County.
Panyijiar County Commissioner Gabriel Majok Bol confirmed the handover, which was attended by community members who traveled from Juba. He said the release was achieved without ransom payments. “I asked them during the handover, and they denied any money was paid,” Majok stated.
Awerial Commissioner Philip Mawut Deng said the operation was carried out under orders from the state governor, with the support of the SSPDF soldiers stationed along the riverbanks.
Community chairperson William Yien Kuol welcomed the safe return of the traders, saying they were later transported to Juba to reunite with their families.
Officials have urged accountability for the perpetrators of the abduction, which occurred on September 14 when the traders’ boat was attacked along the border with Jonglei State.
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