In a brutal attack on Wednesday, armed men in military uniforms raided a village in the Wonduruba Administrative Payam, Central Equatoria State, killing ten civilians and injuring four others, according to local officials. The attackers reportedly used both firearms and machetes in the attack.
This horrific incident took place shortly after a visit by Central Equatoria Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo. The violence is believed to have been triggered by earlier clashes between government-affiliated militias under Gen. Kenyi Abdu (also known as Kenyi Warrior) and rebel forces from the National Salvation United Forces (NSUF), led by Gen. Kenyi Loburon. The two sides fought in Logoko Boma, near Wonduruba town, where nine members of the government’s militia were killed, and several were injured. Gen. Kenyi Warrior’s vehicle was ambushed during his escape attempt to Lainya.
Bishop Matthew Taban of the Wonduruba Diocese, who had attended the governor’s earlier peace rally, expressed shock at the killings. The victims included a pastor and a nurse who had been assisting wounded government militia members at a local health center.
“The attack happened just south of the town center, close to the health facility and my residence,” Bishop Taban recounted. “Armed men dragged people out of their homes, forcing them outside before killing them. They shot and killed ten people.”
Bishop Taban suggested the attack might have been an act of retaliation for the previous fighting between government forces and rebels. He called for both sides to pursue peaceful negotiations, reiterating Governor Jadalla’s message of non-violence.
Amule Jongolose, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly representing the area, condemned the massacre, calling it “barbaric” and demanding a swift investigation to hold the attackers accountable.
“We urge the SSPDF (South Sudan People’s Defense Forces) to ensure equal protection for all citizens of South Sudan,” Jongolose said, stressing the need for justice and accountability for human rights abuses.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang acknowledged the fighting in the area but said he had not been able to obtain full details from commanders on the ground.
“I’ve heard about the conflict in Wonduruba, but I am still trying to get more information,” he stated, confirming that some government soldiers had been killed in the clashes.
Towongo Stephen, the coordinator of Wonduruba Administrative Area, confirmed that civilians were targeted in the attack. According to him, the gunmen stormed the village, dragging young men from their homes before tying and shooting them. Four survivors were also wounded with machetes.
“There was a confrontation between SSPDF and rebel forces in the outskirts of Wonduruba, resulting in casualties on the government’s side. Later that night, around 12:45 a.m., armed men raided a nearby area, targeting and killing ten civilians. Four others were injured but survived,” Towongo explained.
Towongo added that over a hundred people had fled the area due to the violence and are now sheltering in his home and nearby government buildings.
“I strongly condemn this attack. Civilians should not have to suffer in this way, and those responsible must be brought to justice,” he urged.
In a separate statement, the National Salvation United Forces (NASU), which split from Gen. Cirillo’s NAS group, accused the SSPDF and allied militias of launching multiple attacks on their bases, including a fresh assault on October 7. NASU spokesperson Gen. Paul Gideon Suleiman claimed that NASU forces repelled the attacks, killing 13 government soldiers in total.
Gen. Suleiman also alleged that the government militias, in retaliation for the defeat, turned their anger on innocent civilians, accusing them of being related to their enemies.
“This is a targeted attack by government forces, led by Gen. Kenyi Warrior, aimed at wiping out opposition in the Wonduruba and Lainya areas,” Suleiman stated. He called for international human rights groups and peace monitors to investigate the killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.