At least 16 people have been confirmed dead following an attack by armed youths at an artisanal gold mining site in Ngauro, Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State, according to officials and civil society leaders.

The incident occurred after the arrest of a suspected member of a bodaboda-associated criminal gang on December 26 in Ngauro town, within the Lopit mining zone.

Eastern Equatoria State Information Minister Elia John Ahaji said that individuals believed to be linked to the suspect later raided a local detention facility, demanding his release. When police requested time to carry out investigations, the group reportedly turned violent and opened fire.

Ahaji said one attacker was killed during a shootout with security personnel, while the others fled toward the Lopua mining area. There, they attacked civilians engaged in small-scale gold mining.

According to the minister, the victims included men and women from different communities. Several people are still unaccounted for, and search operations are ongoing in surrounding areas.

“We strongly condemn the killing of innocent civilians who were trying to earn a living,” Ahaji said, noting that local authorities and community members are supporting recovery efforts.

Police Commissioner Gen. Lazarous Wani Tranquilo confirmed the incident but said the exact death toll is yet to be fully established. He explained that some people fled during the violence, others sustained injuries, and several were initially reported missing.