Four children from the same family are reportedly missing after they were allegedly abducted by unknown individuals in Omeo Boma, Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday afternoon while the children were in a garden with their older siblings.
Omeo Head Chief Okeny Gabriel Gino said the incident came to light after the older children noticed unfamiliar people approaching the garden. Fearing for their safety, the older children reportedly ran back toward the community and raised an alarm.
Residents then organized a search of the area and discovered that four younger children were missing.
According to Chief Okeny, the missing children are three girls and one boy, aged between four and eight years.
The community reportedly mounted an immediate pursuit after learning that the children had been taken. Local youths followed the suspected abductors but were unable to catch them or locate the children.
Chief Okeny said there had been no earlier reports of suspicious individuals or strangers operating in the area before the incident.
The disappearance has caused concern among residents, particularly families in the area who depend on gardens and farms for their livelihoods.
The head chief has appealed to residents to remain calm and vigilant while efforts to trace the children continue.
He also urged anyone who may have information about the missing children or the people suspected of taking them to immediately contact local authorities.
“Anyone who has information that can help us find these children should report it to the authorities,” Chief Okeny said.
The identities and motives of the suspected abductors remain unknown. It is also unclear where the children may have been taken after they reportedly disappeared from the garden.
Community members and local authorities are continuing efforts to locate the children and establish what happened.
No arrests have been reported in connection with the incident, and the allegations of abduction have not been independently verified.
