At least two people were killed on Saturday after youth suspected to be from Budi County of Eastern Equatoria State attacked cattle herders in Kapoeta North County and made off with 52 head of cattle.
The youth from Lokwamor Payam of Kapoeta North County were attacked when they were returning their cows to their kraals from grazing.
Kapoeta North County commissioner Emmanuel Epone Lolimo confirmed the weekend attack and cattle raid and said two cattle owners were killed.
“The youth of the Buya from Napak raided the kraal and took 52 cows and left two youth dead. It happened on Saturday evening. This is the practice they have, they take it like a common practice, this revenge killing. This one goes and raids and the other one comes and raids. The worst part is the killing,” he explained.
Commissioner Epone added, “The (Lokwamor) youth were bringing the cattle back in the evening from grazing and they were just surprised, it was a surprise attack. They were not prepared. They recovered a lot when the youth followed, they exchanged fire in a big fight, so they were able to recover a huge number of cattle.”
He disclosed that he spoke to his Budi County counterpart to inform him about the matter and suggest possible ways of arresting the situation. Commissioner Epone further called on the people of Kapoeta North to remain calm.
“My message to the people of Kapoeta North County is that let us remain calm, we don’t encourage revenge killings because this will continue escalating into a bigger conflict which will affect our citizens,” he advised.
Meanwhile, the minister for peace in Eastern Equatoria State, Marko Lokidor, said there is a need to engage all stakeholders to talk to their communities to desist from cattle theft and revenge killings.
“We are trying our utmost best to engage all those leaders, stakeholders, and traditional leaders from the different levels so that they can talk to their people and disseminate the message of peace to their people and communities. This is a collective and dynamic process,” Minister Lokidor said.
Attempts to reach the Budi County Commissioner for comment on the matter were futile as his telephone was off.