Civilians fleeing armed violence in Panyikang County of Upper Nile State. | (Photo credit: Unknown)

The International Committee of the Red Cross has flown to Upper Nile’s Malakal town forty abductees who were held for several months by Ayod’s spiritual leader in Jonglei State.

The 40 children and adults had been taken between November and December 2022 during armed hostilities in Fashoda County of Upper Nile State.

The 29 children, nine women, and two men were handed over to the ICRC in Guil, Ayod County on Wednesday.

According to ICRC, the release of the captors followed a negotiation in which the agency was not involved.

“It is a great joy for us to be able to help these children, women and men return to their families. It is very fulfilling to contribute to reuniting families that have been separated due to conflict and violence,” said Pierre Dorbes, the head of the ICRC delegation in Juba.

Under international humanitarian law that children affected by hostilities are entitled to special respect and protection and must not be arbitrarily deprived of their liberty.