Authorities from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and Jonglei State have exchanged two abducted children. The exchange took place in Pibor town on Friday, with the facilitation of the Save the Children and GREDO organizations.
GPAA Information minister Oleyo Akwer Nyalus told Radio Tamazuj that area officials received a 10-year-old boy from Jonglei, who was abducted from Pibor several years ago.
“Child abduction is a very critical issue, and I want to send my message to both communities in Jonglei and Greater Pibor to stop such a practice,” Nyalus stated.
“We need to live in peace and harmony because child abduction is not a good practice for our communities.”
Nyalus said GPAA officials handed over a 16-year-old girl who was abducted from Duk County in 2021.
He emphasized that both authorities were dedicated to putting an end to violence and conflict in the Greater Jonglei region.
The Jonglei State minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, William Kuol Chuol, expressed gratitude for the child’s reception from Pibor and reiterated the Jonglei State’s commitment to preventing future abductions.
“We have already identified the parents of the girl—they are from Duk. The girl is now in SPU under protection until Monday, when the parents will come to the ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare for reunification,” Chuol said.
Chuol said, the safe return of abducted children stands as a testament to the power of collective action as the region continues its efforts toward lasting peace.