The United Nations World Food Program says it is deeply concerned about the safety of one of its staff members, who was taken at gunpoint from Malakal Airport yesterday.

WFP is callings upon all parties to recognize and respect the impartiality, neutrality and independence of humanitarian workers who are delivering lifesaving assistance to millions of people in the country.

George Fominyen, Public Relation Officer for WFP in South Sudan, says they demand an urgent release of their staff.

“We are extremely concerned about his well-being,” said Mr Fominyen.

He says they did not speak to their unnamed abducted staff since yesterday because his whereabouts remains unknown.

“WFP is working urgently to secure the safe release of its staff member, and urges South Sudan’s government and security forces to do everything within their power to see that the captured aid worker is freed quickly and uninjured.”

WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide.

It helps delivering food in emergencies and working with communities to build resilience.