Woman escapes arson attack after suspected assailant set house ablaze in Yambio

YAMBIO – A woman in Yambio town narrowly escaped death after unidentified assailants set her house on fire in what authorities believe was an attempted robbery, leaving her homeless and without any personal belongings.

The incident has heightened fears among residents amid reports of increasing criminal activity in the Western Equatoria State capital during the festive season.

According to community sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, the attack occurred on Monday night in Duduma residential area. The woman was reportedly inside the house when the attackers set it ablaze, forcing her to flee for her life as the fire rapidly engulfed the structure.

“The woman was inside her house when the criminals set it on fire. She survived, but everything she owned was completely destroyed,” a local resident told journalists, describing the incident as terrifying and sudden.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Yambio County Commissioner Michael Ismail Medi said the arson attack is part of a worrying trend of growing insecurity in the town. He noted that cases of looting, sporadic gunfire, and other criminal activities have recently increased, causing fear among residents.

“We are seeing a rise in criminal activities, including looting and gunfire. This is unacceptable,” Commissioner Medi said. “The county authority is deploying additional security forces across Yambio to protect civilians and prevent further incidents.”

Western Equatoria State Police Commissioner Maj. Gen. Phillip Madut Tong confirmed the incident, stating that preliminary findings suggest the attackers intended to steal from the victim. He said investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“Fortunately, no one was physically harmed in this incident, but such acts create fear and insecurity within the community,” Maj. Gen. Madut said. He warned that individuals unlawfully carrying firearms would face legal consequences.

State authorities emphasized that maintaining law and order is a shared responsibility, urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly. The government reassured the public of its commitment to restoring calm and safeguarding lives and property in Yambio.