Barricade tape for crime scene (Courtesy)

South Sudan’s Episcopal Church Bishops have condemned an alleged kidnapping and torture of Christians by SSPDF soldiers in Yei River County.

On Thursday, August 24, the mobile forces reportedly attacked, looted, and tortured Christians of Nyori and Mongo Archdeaconries of Yei Diocese.

In a statement issued on the weekend, the forces arrested and tortured Referent Sema Mawa, the pastor of Agonyakiri parish of Nyori Archdeaconry, and took him captive to Lasu military barracks.

They also looted the belongings including the clerical attires of Rev. Hillary Luate Moses, the Rural Dean of Ombasiu Deanery of Mongo Archdeaconry.

The bishops call for the immediate release of Rev. Mawa and urge the government authorities to probe the incident and hold those responsible accountable.

“It is true, and you can also call the Bishop of Yei to give you a new development and more information on whether the priest has been now released and also the paramount Chief,” said Paul Yugusuk, the Archbishop of Central Equatoria Episcopal Church Internal Province.

“We were also trying to also reach our commissioner, but the Commissioner is not picking our phone, but the story is true.”

Bilpam is yet to comment on the matter.

When contacted, Yei County Commissioner Aggrey Cyrus said some soldiers were involved in violent theft but denies the report of any torture.

Cyrus said at least twelve soldiers have been arrested and some stolen items recovered.

“SSPDF was sent after report of some criminals robbing people on the road and the force of the SSPDF of course spent two days searching for these criminals.”

Commissioner Cyrus said the “criminals also appeared in another place robbing three motorbikes.”

“After robbing, they also went and killed one local trader as I reported. The force that was there I think maybe they were angry or asked for food, they also decided to steal some properties that belonged to a priest including his cloth and even the one of the chief and some families that their properties were stolen.”

“There was no report of any torture. Soldiers who were caught in the stealing are already all detained and some of the items stolen have been recovered”.

On Sunday, Commissioner Kanyikwa said a rural trader was abducted and murdered by unidentified armed bandits in Yei River County of Central Equatoria State.