UN leading efforts to rescue kidnapped Acholi premier in S.Sudan

The eight were abducted from Yambio, South Sudan No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnap but it is believed the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) has the abductees. A journalist in Yambio township told URN on condition of anonymity that "the eight staff of World Vision South Sudan abducted two days ago are still being held in unknown location"

He said Yambio State governor dispatched UN peacekeepers in the area to Gbudue rural community where the abduction took place to secure the release of the eight through negotiation with SPLA-IO, who are believed to be holding them. He said it's now understood that the Ugandans are being held in company of 21 other South Sudanese with whom they are trekking with and carrying looted items in the bushes. According to the journalist, the situation of the abductees remains unclear, adding that a Catholic priest was shot and killed two weeks ago in similar attack. Emmanuel Ochora Lagedo, the deputy prime minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, says the institution has also contacted "organizations and state institutions in South Sudan to secure the release of the prime minister". Lagedo says Ola has been working in Yambio for the last two weeks consulting on peace building. He says they are hopeful that the prime minister will be released. 

There are many rebel groups operating in Yambio including the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in Opposition, Arrow Boys and pockets of former South Sudan Nationa Liberation Movement (SSNLM) fighters. In 2016, the SSNLM signed a peace agreement with the South Sudan government and is now reintegrating its ranks into the national army - the Sudan People's Army.