Maridi

Heavy gunshots heard in northern part of Maridi state

January 9, 2019 (YAMBIO) –Heavy gunshots were heard on Wednesday morning in the northern part of Maridi state.

The sound of heavy gunshots started in the early morning not far from Maridi town created fears among the civilians as some civilians fled the area for safety.

Speaking on phone to one of the citizens in the northern part of Maridi whose name cannot be reviled in this news for anonymity said, the sound of gunshots lasted for some minutes in the bush which was a bit far distance from Maridi town to the north. He mentioned that many people were running coming from the direction of the gunshot heading towards Maridi town.

“It catches us by surprise early in the morning to the northern part of Maridi state where we were hearing heavy gunshots and I saw some people coming from that direction heading to the town.”

According to one government official in Maridi state, who declined to mention his name said, according to the preliminary report they got which says, the National Salvation Front forces under Thomas Cirilo carried attacks on SPLA-IO as they were preparing to work together with the Government of South Sudan as preparation for the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The source accused National Salvation Front forces for attacking to discourage SPLA-IO who are willing to work hand in hand with the Government for the implementation of the agreement.

It remains unclear what provoked the attack in the bush between the two forces in Maridi State and details are yet to be availed to the public.

Maridi State has been peaceful for more than one-half years where people have been going about their business and Government Offices are operational.

(ST)