Six Christian workers from Young Life South Sudan, abducted on September 26 while traveling from Kajo Keji to Maridi, have been released. The workers, all native South Sudanese, were identified as Thomas Oliver, Japheth Elisama, John Simon, Justin Wilson, James Banyi, and Ezibon Yoanna. They were ambushed by unidentified gunmen along the Juba-Yambio Road, and their vehicle was burned during the incident.
The abducted workers reported being beaten, forced to carry heavy loads for long distances, and denied adequate food and water. They were made to sleep in the open without shelter or bedding, and their personal belongings, including mobile phones, Bibles, and theological training certificates, were confiscated. The workers were held for about five days in the far bush under harsh conditions and were traumatized, requiring psychosocial and medical care.
According to Pastor David Nyoma John, the country director of Young Life South Sudan, the workers were ambushed at about 9:45 p.m. on September 26. The incident occurred in Western Equatoria state, a region that has experienced violence and instability. The motive behind the abduction is not immediately clear, but it appears to have been a form of punishment for their ministry.
Catholic Bishop of Tombura-Yambio Diocese Eduardo Hiinoro Kussala condemned the kidnapping and other attacks on civilians, calling on armed groups to stop targeting civilians. He emphasized that the victims are "your brothers and sisters" and urged the perpetrators to cease their violent actions. The bishop's statement highlights the ongoing concerns about security and human rights in South Sudan.
South Sudan, the world's youngest country, gained independence from Sudan in July 2011. However, the country has been plagued by civil war since 2013, despite a 2018 peace agreement. Renewed violence, political tensions, corruption, and impunity continue to put many people at risk. Christians have been targeted in the country, with several incidents reported in recent months.
The release of the six Christian workers is a welcome development, but the incident underscores the need for better protection and investigations into targeted killings and abductions. Church leaders in the region are increasingly calling for action to address these concerns and ensure the safety of civilians. The Joshua Project reports that 63.7 percent of South Sudan's population is Christian, 26.9 percent adheres to ethnic religions, and 8.8 percent is Muslim.
The abduction and release of the six Christian workers highlight the complex security situation in South Sudan. While the country has made progress in recent years, ongoing violence and instability continue to affect civilians. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to promote peace, stability, and human rights in the region.
Key points
- The six Christian workers were abducted by unidentified gunmen while traveling from Kajo Keji to Maridi in Western Equatoria state.
- The workers were held for about five days under harsh conditions and were traumatized, requiring psychosocial and medical care.
- The incident highlights the ongoing concerns about security and human rights in South Sudan, particularly for Christians who have been targeted in the country.
