An investigation has been instituted into last week’s revenge killings in the Jonglei State capital, Bor town, a local government official said.   

On Friday last week, officials in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) said 7 cattle traders who traveled to Bor to sell cows were attacked and killed there by armed local youth to avenge the killing of two people from Bor allegedly carried out by GPAA youth earlier on the same day in Anyidi.

Veronica William, the state information minister, told Radio Tamazuj investigations had started into the matter.

“As we speak, investigations are ongoing,” Minister William said. “Security forces have been directed to arrest any culprits involved in the killing because it is not good to kill civilians in the town in retaliation for crimes committed by criminals in the bush.”

She urged the GPAA youth to be calm as the investigation continues, reiterating that Jonglei is committed to peace and ready to punish the culprits. 

Jay Adingora, the GPAA information minister, said they are engaging their Jonglei State counterparts on the killing, expressing optimism that the suspects will be arrested. 

“We are in contact with the authorities of Jonglei State on the matter. We were promised that a search is ongoing for the criminals who killed our seven civilians,” Adingora said.  “The official report of those killed now stands at seven, not eleven because the other people were rescued and flown to Juba.” 

For his part, Nyany Korok, the deputy head for the GPAA human rights commission, applauded Jonglei State’s move, saying the apprehension arrest of the culprits will help rebuilt trust among the locals.