Residents of Longamere and Payawa payams in Mugwo County of Yei River State have accused SPLA-IO soldiers of looting their houses as well as domestic animals last month.
Several local residents told Radio Tamazuj Friday that SPLA-IO forces raided Lul and Ondukori villages at gunpoint from December 19-25.
Peter Luate, a resident of Ondukori boma, claimed a group of SPLA-IO soldiers looted their properties. “They came with guns and ordered us to surrender our goats, money, chicken and cows to them,” Luate said.
“We call upon the SPLA-IO leadership in Yei River State to investigate the case, recover our properties and punish the perpetrators,” he added.
The county commissioner, Emmanuel Taban confirmed SPLA-IO’s involvement in looting properties of civilians.
He said his office received several complaints from residents, pointing out that he will coordinate with the SPLA-IO leadership on the ground to ensure the looted items are returned to their rightful owners.
“According to complaints from villagers, SPLA-IO soldiers in Mongoyo area looted goats, cows and chicken while some houses were taken from those in Payawa and Logamere payams,” Taban said.
“Currently, the security situation in Mugwo County is normal,” he added.
For his part, Wayi Godwil Edward, the SPLA-IO spokesman in the state, denied the accusations, saying efforts are underway to investigate the allegations that the armed opposition forces looted citizens’ properties.
“Until now, we don’t have any information regarding cattle that have been stolen. We shall investigate to find out whether some forces from our side crossed to loot from the civilians,” Wayi said.
He added, “Sometimes there are situations where some unruly individuals within our forces can do that, but we cannot say it’s true until we get verified information”.