South Sudan Western Bahr Al Ghazal flag

The new Commissioner of Raja County, who is a survivor of the deadly attack on Sunday, says 13 people died in Western Bahr el Ghazal state.

Commissioner James Benjamin Bubu said the dead included seven security officers, a driver and five journalists.

Two female journalists were among those killed by unknown attackers in Mangayat area.

In an exclusive interview with Eye Radio this afternoon, Commissioner Bubu said there were six survivors.

“They ambushed us in a small stream on the way; when we entered this stream, they attacked us from all sides. They killed from the car of the security which was in front of me 13 people. 1 is SPLA officer, 4 police officers, 2 from CID, one cameraman from Wau television and another from Wau Radio, and 3 staff from Raja Radio and the driver. From that car only 2 survived; the police commissioner of Raja and the assistant driver.” He said.

Commissioner Bubu said those killed were burnt beyond recognition in the car.

The thirteen were buried yesterday.

Western Bahr el Ghazal government has declared a three-day period of mourning in the state.

The chairperson of the Union of Journalists, Oliver Modi has condemned the killing of the journalists, and called for their protection.