Unity State Governor Riek Bim Top has disbanded the Terchuong militia unit to restore peace and stability in the area and neighbouring states.
The Governor made the announcement during a speech on a visit to Mayom County in Mankien Payam last Wednesday.
Local residents have long lamented being inconvenienced by the activities of the group formed in March 2014. The Terchuong group, which is mainly based in Mayom County, was reportedly aimed at mobilizing the youth to raid cattle from Rubkona, Guit, Koch, Mayendit and Leer counties.
Top said that the Terchuong members would be absorbed into different organized forces, including the army.
“I order you to leave Terchuong as the Governor of Unity State. You should join the SSPDF, SSNPS, SSWLS or other forces, or remain civilians,” Top said.
He said the government needed the citizens to move around Unity State without fear.
The Terchuong paramilitary group has been a source of concern for the residents, as their actions had caused widespread fear and uncertainty.
The Governor’s decision is seen as a testament to his commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for all the residents of Unity State.
The head chief of Riak Payam, Gaga Thiceh, confirmed the decision of the governor, adding that Mayom would become safer and crime free.
“We all welcome the decision made by the new governor of Unity State to disband Terchuong group that has all the time been against peace and Unity in Bentiu and the surrounding areas like Lakes, Warrap, Ruweng and Jonglei states,” Thiceh said.
The Governor proposed life skill ideas to the Terchuong group members who would not join the organized forces.