Gunmen open fire on ex-army chief

JUBA, APRIL 24, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – South Sudan’s former army chief  Gen. Gabriel Jok Riak has survived an attempted murder after local gunmen opened fire on him while travel to Juba from Jonglei State’s capital Bor, the army has said.

In a statement dated April 18, 2023, SSPDF spokesman Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang said General Jok was safe after having been ambushed by the unidentified gunmen who he said have since been arrested following intervention of the National Security Service.

“This brief statement serves to inform the ranks and file of SSPDF and public at large that Gen. Gabriel Jok Riak, former SSPDF Chief of Defense Forces is ‘safe and sound’ after surviving road ambush laid by local highway robbers,” he said.

“On Monday, April 17^th, 2023, Gen. Gabriel was en route to Juba via Kolnyang-Mareng Junction, when armed men from nearby bushes jumped onto the highway and opened fire.

“The General’s Bodyguards returned fire forcing the highway robbers to retreat. Upon intervention of NSS, two suspects were arrested at the crime scene and two more from Kolnyang village.

“The four suspects are currently detained at Bor Police Station. More information will be revealed upon completion of a thorough investigation,” he added.