KAMPALA, UGANDA – Six abductees, including two Ugandans, kidnapped during the Juba-Nimule Road attack on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, have been released, the South Sudan army confirmed.
The attack on a Bebeto Coaches passenger bus registered under SSD 089Z occurred between Nyerjebe and Kubi areas of Lokiliri Payam, leaving one person dead and several injured.
Lul Ruai, a South Sudan army spokesperson, confirmed the release of the abductees, comprising two Sudanese, two Ugandans, one Rwandan, and one South Sudanese.
According to Lul, the abductees were captured by National Salvation Front (NAS) assailants who looted their valuables, including gadgets, cash, and passports. However, a commander later freed them, claiming the attacks targeted the government, not civilians.
The Ugandan embassy in Juba appreciated the South Sudan army’s efforts in facilitating the release of the abductees. Kabugudho Anthony, counselor and political attaché, thanked the government and army, stating, “We shall continue being together in this until it is solved.”
Anthony also revealed that another Ugandan was rescued on Monday in a separate incident.
The National Salvation Front (NAS) denied involvement in the attack.
The incident has raised concerns about safety along the Juba-Nimule Road, a critical route connecting South Sudan to Uganda.
Ugandan travelers are advised to exercise caution when using this route.
Discussion about this post