Kidnappers linked to Cirilo demand SSP 9 million ransom to release kidnapped traders

JUBA – Traders in South Sudan’s capital Juba are saying that armed men linked to General Thomas Cirilo Swaka who kidnapped traders last week along Juba-Nimule highway are demanding at least 9 million South Sudanese pounds for their release.

Last week, unidentified gunmen attacked a vehicle travelling along the Juba-Nimule highway  killing three and kidnapping many others.

Speaking to Sudans Post this afternoon, Ayii Duang, the head of South Sudan Chamber of commerce said they have been informed by some traders that the armed men who kidnapped traders last week have said that they are members of National Salvation Front (NAS).

He said they have told traders that they need nine (9) million South Sudanese Pounds in order to release the traders which are in their custody.

“The traders are saying that they have been told by those unknown gunmen that they belong to NAS of Cirilo and they want 9 million SSP to release the traders,” Duang told Sudans Post from the capital Juba.

Duang said they “were looking into the matter and we have informed the ministry of interior so that we can see if the government can also help in the process because it has become a national concern now given the fact that shops are closed in Gumbo Sherikat.”