SSPDF soldiers escorting Unity State governor inspecting the car after clashes

An SSPDF soldier was killed, and other servicemen were wounded after a convoy of Unity state governor came under gunfire within Rubkona County on Monday, according to the state Ministry of Information.

In a statement released by the state information minister David Gai, military intelligence and wildlife officers were among those wounded.

“Monday, January, 2024 at around 11:00 AM in Barkuor-Ngol River, SPLA-IO garrison under the command of Major Gen. Turuk Khor and Maj. Gen. Gatthuol Thak attacked the Governor’s Convoy and wounded the Director of Wildlife Services Maj. Gen. Matal Gai, SSPDF Military Intelligent Commander of 4th Infantry Division and other servicemen, one SSPDF soldier was killed on the spot,” it partially reads.

Early the SPLA-IO spokesperson, Colonel Lam Paul Gabrial said; “The Fighting erupted in Rubkona County, Unity State Monday afternoon as the SSPDF attacked the SPLA-IO base of Barkuol Ngol along Rubkona-Mayom road at noon.”

However, the Unity state government said Governor Dr. Joseph Manytuil came under gunfire while on his peace mission to Ngol, Nor-tikur vai Ngol River.

“The government condemns this cowardice act in the strongest terms possible that hamper the implementation of ARCISS and the stability in the state.”

The state government called on the SPLM/A IO leadership to hold accountable the perpetrators behind this terror attack to observe the spirit of peace.