The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has said 6 aid workers from the South Sudan national non-governmental organization were killed on Saturday in the SPLA controlled territory on the Juba-Pibor road.
The head of UNIMISS David Shearer described the murder of the 6 whose bodies were found on the roadside by their colleagues on the convoy from behind, as appalling and pointless.
“The United Nations condemns this appalling and pointless loss of life. This cold-blooded killing is utterly reprehensible,” Mr. Shearer said.
He appealed to the government to launch an investigation and apprehend the killers.
“These aid workers were dedicated to alleviating the ongoing suffering of the people of South Sudan. The government should investigate and find the killers.”
According to the UN, the Saturday attack which is the single worst incident targeting aid workers in the African country since the outbreak of hostilities in December 2013 comes at a time when humanitarian needs have reached unprecedented levels.
Meanwhile the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu stated that security of relief workers has to be ensured so that they are able to provide relief to those with immense needs across the nation
“Such attacks not only put the lives of aid workers at risk, they also threaten the lives of thousands of South Sudanese who rely on our assistance for their survival,” Mr. Owusu said.
Around 7.5 million people in South Sudan which is an equivalent of two thirds of the country’s population need humanitarian assistance and mainly for basics like food, clothing and medical acre.
The government is yet to comment on the matter.