78 Abducted Civilians Released in Western Equatoria

MUNDRI EAST, South Sudan — October 1, 2026
At least 78 civilians abducted along the Juba–Mundri road in Western Equatoria State have been released after spending several days in captivity, according to local officials and survivors.
Mundri East County Executive Director Benson George Papa said the civilians were abducted on September 26 while travelling along the road. Around 40 released people arrived at a police station early Wednesday, while others had been freed separately. Officials reported no confirmed deaths among those abducted.
Survivors said armed men stopped several vehicles, took passengers into the bush and stole money, phones and other belongings. Some vehicles were reportedly burned. One survivor said men were beaten and tied up during the ordeal.
The identity of the abductors has not been independently verified, despite claims from some survivors about possible affiliations.
The incident has renewed concerns about civilian safety on the Juba–Mundri–Yambio road, an important transport route connecting Western Equatoria with Juba.