Jonglei State demands accountability after 16 civilians killed in Ayod by “SSPDF elements”

2026-02-27 - 09:17

The Government of Jonglei State has strongly condemned the killing of 16 civilians, including 8 children and five women, in Ayod County by elements within the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF). Reports of the incident come amid ongoing fighting in northern Jonglei State between government forces and the SPLM/A-IO and allied White Army forces. According to a statement from the European Union and several western embassies, the incident occurred on February 21, 2026. In a statement issued yesterday, the state government said the 16 civilians including 8 children, five women and 3 men were killed in Pankor village of Pajek Payam in Ayod County. Two other people were injured in the attack. The state government blamed what it described as unruly elements within the SSPDF. Speaking to Eye Radio this morning, Jonglei State Minister of Information and Communication Nyamar Lony Thichot said the state government has called for the immediate prosecution of those responsible. “We condemn the unruly individuals who committed this crime. The incident happened last week, although I do not have the exact date. We were informed by the Commissioner of Ayod County that the killings took place in the village. This was not during fighting. It was a separate incident in which civilians were deliberately killed — some inside their houses and others outside around their homes. That is where the crime occurred.” Minister said Nyamar said. “The Chief of Defence Forces ordered the arrest of the stated elements, and they have now been arrested in Ayod County and will soon be transported to the Court martial. We don’t yet have the exact number of individuals who have been arrested, but as soon as I have the confirmed number, I will provide an update,” she added. The minister said SSPDF leadership informed the state government that the suspects have been arrested and will be transferred to Juba to face a court martial. She also called on the families of the victims and communities in Akobo County to remain calm, saying that those responsible will be brought to book. “To the families of the victims, I would like to assure them that justice will take its course through the leadership of the SSPDF, and it should be served as soon as possible,” she appealed. The SSPDF has not yet commented on the incident. The European Union and the embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States described the killings as a massacre of civilians and called for an immediate ceasefire. The diplomatic missions also urged the government to prosecute those responsible.