SSPDF accused of luring, killing 25 civilians in Ayod County

JUBA – The South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) have been accused of luring and killing at least 25 civilians in Ayod County, Jonglei State, in what a civil society leader described as a “horrific and senseless” attack on unarmed residents who had gathered in anticipation of humanitarian assistance.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Ter Manyang Gatwech, Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Advocacy, strongly condemned the incident, which occurred at around 9:00 a.m. in Pankor Village, Pajiek Payam on Saturday.

The director said the tragedy unfolded as local authorities in Ayod County were expecting a delegation from the World Food Programme (WFP), which had reportedly visited the area to assess the humanitarian situation.

In an effort to demonstrate the vulnerability of the local population, authorities had called on civilians to gather in Ayod Town so that the WFP team could witness firsthand the dire conditions facing the community.

However, Gatwech alleged that soldiers from the SSPDF went to Pankor Village and used a microphone to mobilise civilians, informing them to assemble to receive food rations. Trusting the announcement and hoping for much-needed relief, residents reportedly gathered at a hut as instructed.

“Tragically, once the civilians had assembled, the soldiers reportedly opened fire on the unarmed crowd,” Gatwech stated.

He said the attack resulted in the deaths of 22 women and three men, bringing the total number of fatalities to 25. The victims, he emphasised, were civilians whose only intention was to seek humanitarian assistance.

“These were mothers, daughters, sisters, and fathers — civilians whose only intention was to seek humanitarian assistance,” the statement read, describing the incident as a grave violation of human rights and an attack on the dignity and safety of innocent people.

Gatwech further condemned what he termed violence carried out “under the pretence of humanitarian aid,” calling it unacceptable and urging widespread condemnation.

He called on both the National Government and the Jonglei State Government to immediately conduct a “serious, transparent, and independent investigation” into the incident.

The perpetrators, he said, must be identified and brought to justice without delay, stressing that accountability is essential to prevent further atrocities and restore public confidence in security institutions.

The civil society leader also urged authorities to guarantee the protection of civilians and ensure that humanitarian operations can proceed safely and without interference.

As of press time, there had been no official response from the SSPDF or government authorities regarding the allegations.

The incident, if confirmed, would mark one of the deadliest single attacks on civilians in Ayod County in recent months, raising fresh concerns about the safety of communities in conflict-affected areas and the integrity of humanitarian access in South Sudan.