The cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Friday directed Interior Minister Angelina Teny to recover cattle looted during a deadly attack in Mogiri Payam, Juba County, last Thursday.
The attack targeted cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and resulted in at least 22 fatalities, with several other people wounded from both sides.
During a press briefing on Friday, Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the devastating death toll from the ambush which saw around 500 head of cattle stolen by an armed group. The attackers remain unidentified, but sources indicate that the cattle are being held in the Mangala area, prompting the cabinet to take swift action.
“It is not known who the attackers are, but we have received information that the cattle are being held in Mangala. The minister of interior has been directed to ensure these cattle are not moved and to take necessary measures to apprehend them and, if possible, return them to their rightful owners.” Makuei told reporters.
The cabinet has also instructed Minister Teny to conduct a full investigation into the incident and report her findings. In addition to the recovery efforts, the cabinet also strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious source of insecurity.
“This kind of violence disrupts the peace and security of the Juba-Bor Road, which was established to serve the people, not to be exploited for criminal acts,” Makuei added.
The authorities are urging swift action to prevent further violence in the area which has already seen tensions escalate in recent months.