A 20-year-old secondary school student in Yei Town, Central Equatoria State, South Sudan, survived a house fire after armed men allegedly tied him to his bed and set the building ablaze. The incident occurred in Kondeko Sub-Boma over the weekend. According to police and relatives, the attackers broke into the student's home, tied him with wire, and poured petrol over the house before setting it on fire.
The student, identified as Brown Gala, a Senior Two student at Emmanuel Christian Academy Secondary School, was rescued by neighbours and family members who responded after noticing the fire. They broke into the house and found Gala tied to his bed with wire, sustaining serious injuries. Police received a report of the incident at about 2 a.m. and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Gala's brother, Alfred Asan, reported that he raised the alarm after seeing the house engulfed in flames. He stated that after breaking down the door, they found Gala tied to the bed with wire. Gala is currently receiving treatment at Yei Civil Hospital. The police have revealed that the attackers were armed with a gun and pangas, and allegedly took $300 from Gala.
According to police, Gala appeared to have been drugged with tramadol before the fire was started. His brother, Asan, stated that Gala had previously survived an alleged attempt on his life following a dispute involving his sister's boyfriend, who was linked to gang-related activities in the area. Asan said Gala suspected that the same group was behind the latest attack based on voices he heard during the incident.
The sub-chief of Kondeko, Michael Juma Cosmas, also known as Juma Somula, condemned the attack and called for those responsible to be identified and arrested. He expressed concern over gang-related violence in the area and urged authorities to take action to protect civilians. Cosmas stated that authorities need to do more to tackle the issue.
The incident has raised concerns about security in Yei Town, particularly in Kondeko Sub-Boma. Residents are calling for increased measures to prevent such attacks and ensure the safety of citizens. The police are working to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The student, Gala, is expected to receive further treatment and support as he recovers from his injuries. The community is rallying around him and his family, offering assistance and solidarity in the face of this traumatic event. Authorities continue to investigate the incident and seek justice for Gala.
Key points
- A 20-year-old student survived a house fire in Yei Town after being tied to his bed by armed men who set the building ablaze.
- The student, Brown Gala, was rescued by neighbours and family members and is receiving treatment at Yei Civil Hospital.
- Authorities have condemned the attack and are working to identify and apprehend the suspects, who are believed to be linked to gang-related activities in the area.
