At least two civilians were killed and five others critically injured when a commercial vehicle fell in a road ambush along the Yei-Lasu road this morning, police said.

Major General Yoasa Lujang, Yei River Police Commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj that unknown gunmen opened fire as the vehicle was heading to Ombasi market.

“The passenger vehicle was going to Ombasi market when it fell in an ambush. Two civilians were killed in the attack, “he said.

Lujang pointed out the road ambush occurred in Sanja-Siri village, about three miles west of Yei town. He said the injured, mostly women, are receiving treatment at Yei Civil Hospital.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident.

The police commissioner said investigations are underway to identify those who were behind the road ambush.

A victim, who is receiving treatment at Yei Civil Hospital, said: “The incident took us by surprise. We could hear the sounds of gunshots and people falling down, and I later realized that I have been shot after seeing blood flowing from my leg.”

The survivor called on the government to prioritize security in the area.

NOTICE OF CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story stated that Levi Matatiya was killed in the road ambush between Yei and Lasu. This is inaccurate. The two civilians killed in the attack were identified as James Sumbuwa Levi and Ezra Amule.