The authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have issued an order banning civilians from carrying firearms in Pibor Town.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Oleyo Akwer Nyalus, the GPAA Information Minister, said the ban was effected on 22 July 2024 to pacify the town.
“Looting of humanitarian trucks, road ambushes, and killing during communal events, especially between Kurennen and Lango age sets have been on the rise, exacerbated by the presence of firearms in the hands of civilians,” he explained. “To contain these insecurity incidents, an order has been issued that no civilians should be seen with a firearm like AK-47 and even spears within the radius of 10 kilometers from the town.”
Minister Oleyo urged the youth to abide by the order warning that those found in defiance would face punitive repercussions.
“Chiefs and youth were engaged in a meeting before this order was issued and they all agreed. So anyone who defies the ban will be attested, and legal action will be taken against them,” he warned. “We now started with Pibor with the possibility of extension to the headquarters of the other seven counties.”