Six Christian workers abducted in South Sudan on Sept. 26 were released Oct. 1, sources told Morning Star News.
The Young Life South Sudan workers were traveling from Kajo Keji to Maridi, a town in Western Equatoria state, on Juba-Yambio Road when unidentified gunmen ambushed their vehicle, the ministry’s country director, Pastor David Nyoma John, Morning Star reported.
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“On Sept. 26, at about 9:45 p.m., our young life leaders from Maridi were ambushed along the Juba-Yambio Road while returning from theological education in Kajo Keji,” Pastor John said. “They were taken by unknown armed group and held for about five days in the far bush under harsh conditions.”
Their vehicle was burned during the ambush, he said.
Abducted and abused
The abducted workers reported that they were beaten, forced to carry heavy loads for long distances and were not given adequate food and water. They were made to sleep in the open without shelter or bedding.
The assailants confiscated their personal belongings, including mobile phones, Bibles and theological training certificates, Pastor John said, adding that the workers were traumatized and required psychosocial and medical care.
The workers, all native South Sudanese, were identified as Thomas Oliver, Japheth Elisama, John Simon, Justin Wilson, James Banyi and Ezibon Yoanna.
It was not immediately clear why they were released, but it appeared they were abducted as a form of punishment for their ministry.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written and originally published by Morning Star News.
