10 youth released after detention by suspected SPLA-IO armed group
June 9, 2016 (YAMBIO) – Ten youth who were kidnaped on Tuesday by armed youth in Rii-rangu who claimed to be under the SPLA-IO forces have been released after negotiations between the local authority and the armed youth.
Speaking to Sudan Tribune, Joseph Lagu, one of those kidnaped said he was carrying a man with a boda boda [motor bike] outside a town when the passenger snatched the bike from him. He said he then called his colleagues of boda-boda riders to pursue the robber to Rii-rangu area, but were captured by the armed youth in the area.
Lagu explained that six youth members from Yambio town and four others in Soura area including the alleged thief were detained but later released without charge. He added that the leader of the armed youth said the youth should not be tortured after they were beaten at the time they were detained.
The commissioner of Yambio county, Grace Appolo, confirmed their release, saying she engaged the armed youth in communication in Rii-rangu, explaining to them the importance of releasing them.
Rii-rangu payam in Yambio county has been under the control of the armed group claimed to be under the leadership of the SPLA-IO and no government officials have access to the area.
(ST)