Bor, Jonglei State
At least three people have been killed and two others left seriously wounded after armed members of the infamous “Red Belt” gang opened fire in Bor town on Saturday evening, in what local officials have described as one of the deadliest market attacks in recent months.
The incident occurred around 6:00 PM when the armed group stormed Marol Market, Bor’s busiest trading hub, sparking panic among traders and residents.
According to eyewitnesses, the gang members initially attempted to gain access to a local wrestling ground with firearms but were denied entry by security forces stationed at the venue.
Moments later, the attackers shifted their focus to the market, where they unleashed deadly gunfire on civilians.
Timeline of the Attack
Witnesses told reporters that the armed men arrived in groups, appearing organized and determined.
“They came in from different directions, and when security stopped them from entering the wrestling ground, they regrouped and moved to Marol Market,” one resident recounted. “People were screaming and running for safety. Shops closed immediately, but unfortunately, some traders and customers were caught in the crossfire.”
One person was killed instantly at the scene, while two others succumbed to gunshot wounds shortly after, according to hospital officials.
At least two more victims remain under critical care at Bor State Hospital, where medical staff say they are battling to stabilize them.
Authorities Confirm and Condemn Attack
A senior county government official confirmed the incident, describing it as a continuation of violent attacks carried out by the “Red Belt” gang over the past month.
“This group has been terrorizing our town, targeting traders and innocent civilians,” the official said. “We have lost three precious lives, and more are fighting for survival.
Security forces are doing everything possible to track down the perpetrators, but this is a wake-up call to intensify operations against such gangs.”
The Jonglei State Police spokesperson, while declining to give details about ongoing investigations, assured the public that a joint police and army force has been deployed to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
A Gang With a Bloody Trail
The “Red Belt” gang has developed a reputation for violent attacks in Bor and its surrounding areas.
Comprising mostly young men in their late teens and twenties, the group is often seen moving in large numbers, armed with small weapons.
In early September, security reports linked the gang to a series of market attacks that left at least 10 people injured.
Traders in Marol and Malou markets complained of extortion, theft, and harassment, accusing the gang of undermining business activities and discouraging customers.
“This is not the first time. They have been attacking us, beating people, and stealing from shops.
We have reported them, but little action has been taken,” a local shopkeeper lamented on Sunday.
Community leaders in Bor have described the group as “an organized criminal network” that thrives on intimidation, exploiting the weaknesses of local law enforcement.
Residents Living in Fear
The Saturday evening shooting has left residents in shock and fear. Shops remain closed in parts of Marol Market, and businesses are counting heavy losses.
“Our lives are no longer safe in Bor,” one trader told reporters. “These gangs can appear at any time, and the government is not acting fast enough. We are afraid of going to the market, yet that is where we earn our daily bread.”
Families of the victims spent the night mourning their loved ones, demanding justice and immediate government action.
Relatives of the injured have appealed for better medical support, citing shortages of drugs and blood at Bor State Hospital.
Political and Security Implications
The attack comes at a time when the national government in Juba is under increasing pressure to address rising insecurity in Jonglei and other states. Analysts say the Bor shooting underscores the challenges of urban gang violence, which has been overshadowed by inter-communal conflicts in rural areas.
Dr. Achol Deng, a local political analyst, warned that if groups like the “Red Belt” are not dismantled quickly, they could evolve into more dangerous militias.
“What we see in Bor is not just youth indiscipline it is a security threat. These groups are armed, organized, and fearless.
Their continued existence undermines the rule of law and puts civilians at risk,” she noted.
Security Forces Under Scrutiny
Despite assurances from security officials, many residents expressed disappointment at what they see as a slow and ineffective response by law enforcement.
“Why were these boys allowed to move around with guns in town? Where are the police patrols? Where are the checkpoints?” questioned a civil society activist. “It shows that our security is very weak. We need tougher measures, or we will continue burying our youth.”
Some witnesses alleged that security forces engaged the attackers but failed to make arrests, raising suspicions of possible infiltration or lack of coordination. Authorities have not commented on these claims.
Government Promises Tougher Action
In response to public outcry, Jonglei State authorities announced that they would launch a comprehensive crackdown on the “Red Belt” gang.
“The government cannot watch as our people are killed in cold blood. We will pursue these criminals wherever they hide.
Our joint security forces will ensure Bor is safe again,” the Jonglei State Minister of Local Government said in a press statement.
He further urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by reporting gang members and avoiding harboring them in communities.
A Community Demands Justice
Church leaders, elders, and youth representatives have called for justice for the victims and accountability for security lapses.
On Sunday morning, prayers were held in several churches across Bor in honor of the deceased.
“Life is sacred. We cannot continue to lose our children to senseless violence,” Reverend James Aguer of Bor Cathedral said. “We demand justice and call on the government to deal with this gang once and for all.”
Meanwhile, youth groups have warned that if authorities fail to act, communities might be forced to take the law into their own hands.
The Bigger Picture
The Bor shooting highlights a growing trend of urban insecurity in South Sudan, where criminal gangs and armed youth groups are filling governance gaps.
While intercommunal cattle raids and political violence have historically dominated the headlines, localized gang violence in towns like Bor, Wau, and Juba is becoming increasingly deadly.
Analysts say tackling these groups requires a multi-pronged approach: strengthening law enforcement, engaging community leaders, providing youth employment opportunities, and disarming armed civilians.
Without such measures, incidents like Saturday’s attack may continue to haunt South Sudanese towns.
Looking Ahead
As Bor recovers from the tragedy, families mourn their loved ones, and survivors fight for their lives in hospital beds, questions remain about the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
For now, the bustling Marol Market, usually filled with the sound of bargaining traders and shoppers, bears the silence of grief and fear.
Residents wait anxiously to see whether authorities will live up to their promises to bring the perpetrators of the Saturday evening massacre to justice.
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