Four foreign nationals have been arrested in suspected cattle raid incidents in Chukudum, Budi County, Eastern Equatoria State.
The suspects, three Ugandans and one Kenyan, are currently under investigation at Budi County Police Station in Chukudum. Their arrests follow a recent spate of cattle raids in the area.
The quartet is believed to be from the neighboring Karamojongs and Turkana communities from Uganda and Kenya respectively.
On 7th November, 2023, suspected cattle raiders attacked three kraals in Lotukei Payam, Budi County and drove away more than 700 heads of cattle.
A week later, seven kraals in Kapoeta East County were raided by suspected cattle raiders who stole more than 500 heads of cattle.
Authorities in the area confirmed that at least four youth from Lotukei Payam suffered gunshot injuries during the attack.
Arkangelo Loyaka, the Payam Administrator of Lotukei, Budi County told Radio Tamazuj Wednesday they have not received any communication from both Uganda and Kenyan authorities with regard to the suspects.
“Some people were arrested, they are Ugandans and another one is speaking a different language. The three spoke in Karimojong language. They came to raid cattle in Lotukei payam ,Bokot Boma,” Loyaka said.
Bosco Lotyang, SPLM State Member of Parliament from the area said, “These are criminals, off course who are outlawed by the governments of Uganda and Kenya. We should see our two governments of Uganda and Kenya coordinate cross-border peace efforts to stop cattle raids. It could be an avenue for dialogue to bring the three communities together”.
Lokiu John Cypriano, an activist with Mama Africa Children Organization (MACO) hailed the Lotukei Community for maintaining peace and for handing over the suspects to local authorities.
The activist said the suspects should face justice in accordance with South Sudan laws.
“We need to appreciate those who have actually caught the criminals, the law is there to guide and protect the vulnerable people. We need to have a community that is peaceful, so my message is that those criminals have to be brought to book,” Lokiu said.
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