Local authorities in Jonglei State’s Uror County on Friday banned residents from carrying firearms within the county headquarters, Yuai town, as a measure to boost security as Christmas nears.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Tang Chatim, the county commissioner, said only the members of the security forces will be allowed to carry guns as they discharge their duties and that those found in violation will be punished.
“We started implementing this ban in Yuai town and it will be rolled out to all the Payam headquarters. All civilians are required to keep their guns indoors,” Commissioner Chatim said. “Our security forces are also providing patrols and very soon we will impose a curfew.”
He wished the locals a merry Christmas and urged them to cooperate with security forces on duty.
For his part, county police inspector Lt. Col. Gatbel Machar said they have instituted security measures to help restore calm in the restive Uror County during the festive season and called on the locals to cooperate with security personnel.
A local, John Choal, commended initiative by the local authorities to improve security and said it should extend beyond the Christmas festivities and become the norm.