Yei-Kaya road|Courtesy Photo

The Commissioner of Yei River County has condemned the continued abduction of aid workers along Alero Road, about 11 kilometers from Yei town.

According to a statement issued by Commissioner Samuel Henry Malimbo, two aid workers working for Rural Women International were abducted on May 26 along Alero Road but were later released the following day.

He said in a separate incident, humanitarian workers from the Christian organization Across were also abducted on June 1 by unidentified individuals and later released the following day.

Commissioner Malimbo described the incidents as criminal and unacceptable, saying they pose a serious threat to the safety and stability of local communities.

According to the statement, attacks targeting humanitarian personnel undermine relief operations and affect communities that depend on humanitarian assistance.

The county government also raised concerns over reports of harassment, attacks, and theft targeting citizens and traders, saying such incidents disrupt livelihoods and economic activities across the county.

Commissioner Malimbo called on those responsible to immediately stop the attacks and reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to protecting humanitarian organizations, residents, and businesses operating in Yei River County.

The commissioner did not identify those behind the abductions. However, several armed groups, including SPLA-IO and the National Salvation Army (NAS), have in the past been accused of carrying out attacks along routes in and out of Yei.