Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The local authorities in Western Equatoria State’s Ibba County have confirmed that more than 80 residents, mostly elderly people, women, and children, fled their homes in Maruko Payam after an armed group moved to the area over the weekend.
Ibba County Commissioner Wilson Tetela told Radio Tamazuj that the armed men appeared in Maruko, about five kilometers from Ibba Town, forcing residents to flee to the county headquarters for safety.
“People left Maruko Payam, and more than 80 individuals are now scattered in Ibba Town. Soldiers went to look for the rebels, but they were not found,” he said.
The commissioner said that SSPDF troops had earlier combed the area and found no assailants, but that the armed elements reappeared, causing renewed fear among residents.
Joseph Kumbogbia, a resident of Maruko Payam, said the attackers, suspected to be connected to rebels, often come looking for food and other items, disappear for days, and then return, prompting repeated displacements.
He said the displaced community is now facing hunger, is exposed to heavy rains, lives in fear, and lacks clean water. He added that there are no police officers in the area to protect them.
“The government should deploy security forces so people can return,” he lamented. “There is no food, no water, and children lack warm clothing.”
Meanwhile, Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Phillip Madut Tong said he had not yet received the report about the latest incident but promised to investigate and find solutions to the insecurity in Maruko Payam.
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