The chief was kidnapped by unknown armed men along the Yei-Maridi road on Monday morning while en route to a community dialogue in Logo Boma.

By James Chatim

Authorities in Yei River County are demanding armed groups in the area to release the abducted paramount chief peacefully without harm.

The call was made during the 14th commemoration of South Sudan’s Independence celebrations at Freedom Square in Yei on Wednesday.

 Addressing the rally, Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme, raised concerns on the security incident involving the abduction of the Paramount Chief of Yei River County, Joseph Brown Lo Mosee.

The chief was kidnapped by unknown armed men along the Yei-Maridi road on Monday morning while en route to a community dialogue in Logo Boma.

Commissioner Seme praised the communities and security forces of Yei River County for coming together to peacefully mark the occasion which he described as a reminder of the hard-won liberation struggle that led to South Sudan’s independence.

He highlighted key development achievements across the county, including the rehabilitation of bridges and schools, as well as improvements in health and security service delivery.

During the event, the Commander of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Yei, Brigadier General Joseph Garang, reiterated that the overall security situation in the county remains peaceful, despite recent abductions and road ambushes.

He emphasized that security forces are working diligently to ensure the safety of all citizens.

On his part, a local chief from Ronyi Boma condemned the act, saying the paramount chief was on a peaceful mission for community dialogue, accompanied by humanitarian actors. The chief’s whereabouts remain unknown.

The paramount chief and two aid workers were abducted by a suspected armed group in Yei River County on Tuesday.

The ambush occurred approximately seven miles along the Yei-Maridi road as the victims were travelling to the Pisak area for a community dialogue.

The abducted paramount chief, a key traditional leader and the two aid workers were reportedly engaging in efforts to foster dialogue and peace building in the area facing continuous challenges due to conflict and insecurity.

More abductions

Meanwhile, on a separate incident, four farmers were also taken from their farms during the same day.

“Today, we have registered two incidents. Unfortunately, in an area called Maradu in Pakula, four farmers were abducted this morning from their farms,” Commissioner Seme told the media.

In May, ten people, including two women and eight men, were abducted and two passenger vehicles set ablaze in separate attacks in Yei and Morobo Counties.

“The security committee strongly condemns the recent abduction of ten people in Lasu Payam, Yei River County, and the burning of two vehicles in Morobo County, allegedly carried out by elements of the National Salvation Front (NAS),” he said, following a Central Equatoria State Security Committee meeting held at Kator Block, Juba City Council.