A tragic incident unfolded earlier today afternoon when a passenger bus traveling toward the Nuer Zone

Shattered bus attack

came under violent attack by armed gunmen believed to be from the Anyuak community. The ambush occurred while the bus was passing through the Abol district in Anywaa Zone, an area that has recently seen rising security concerns due to escalating tensions between neighbouring communities.

Eyewitnesses on board the vehicle described scenes of panic and chaos as gunmen opened fire without warning.

According to passengers who survived the attack, the assailants emerged from a bushy roadside area and began shooting directly at the moving bus, forcing the driver to halt as screams filled the air. The attack was swift but brutal, leaving the passengers traumatized and desperately seeking cover.

Local security sources confirmed that 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗷𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, among them a 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿-𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱, who was reportedly struck by stray gunfire. Sadly, the violence also 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗮 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝘆, who died instantly at the scene before any medical assistance could arrive.

Regional emergency responders arrived shortly after receiving distress reports and transported the wounded to nearby medical facilities. Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims, but families are being notified, and community leaders have been urged to remain calm while investigations are underway.

The attack has sparked widespread condemnation, with residents of both Anywaa and Nuer Zones expressing deep concern over the growing instability in the area. Community elders from both sides have called for restraint, urging government forces to increase patrols along the route to prevent further loss of life.

Security officials have launched an investigation and are reportedly pursuing leads that may identify the attackers. However, fear remains high among travellers, with many now reluctant to use the Abol district route, which serves as a vital transport corridor for trade and civilian movement between zones.

Local human rights observers labelled the attack a “𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀,” emphasizing the rising vulnerability of commuters who rely daily on public transport. They have appealed to the regional government to deploy stronger security measures, including armed escorts for buses traveling through high-risk zones.

As the region mourns the life lost and prays for the recovery of the injured, calls for peace and reconciliation echo through community gatherings and public statements.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the attackers to report immediately to security forces as the search intensifies.

This report is compiled as an independent first-hand account based on testimonies from survivors, security briefings, and local sources present at the scene.