In the latest series of attacks in Akobo County, Jonglei State, at least three individuals lost their lives, and 10 others sustained injuries as suspected Murle raiders carried out separate assaults at Thep cattle camp on Monday, according to local officials.
Commissioner Puok Nyang Tutjiek of Akobo County confirmed the incidents to Radio Tamazuj, revealing that the assailants, believed to be from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), targeted the cattle camp around 8:00 am.
“Two young men fell victim to Murle criminals, and another incident occurred in Akobo East, specifically in a place called Yedit, resulting in the death of an elderly man,” he explained.
Additionally, Puok disclosed that a ten-year-old girl was abducted by the Murle youth from Nyale, located just opposite Dengjok Payam along Sobat River.
The Commissioner emphasized that these attacks took place shortly after authorities in the region had handed over six abducted children and one woman to a Likuangule County delegation from GPAA, as part of ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts between the two communities.
Puok condemned the recent assault as a blatant violation of the peace agreement and urged GPAA authorities to intervene and put an end to these criminal acts.
“These incidents are detrimental to the peace-building efforts between the Murle and Lou Nuer communities. They serve as concerning signs, and it’s imperative for authorities to swiftly address this issue to ensure control over their youth,” Puok emphasized.
“If their youth are present in our territory, they should be called back to Pibor immediately. Otherwise, it could escalate into a very difficult situation if the targeted youth retaliate, which is not desirable. These attacks are provocative and unacceptable,” he added.
Abraham Keleng, the Information Minister of GPAA, stated that while he wasn’t informed of the latest incident, he assured that the GPAA government is actively working to prevent and contain such attacks.
“We recently received six abductees from Akobo and have initiated a plan. Currently, we have called upon the Commissioner of Likuangole and all Red chiefs to gather at the headquarters of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area in Pibor. The aim is to communicate with all Red chiefs and youth from villages to prioritize peaceful coexistence. This is an exemplary initiative led by the Akobo County Commissioner and endorsed by the authorities. However, we acknowledge the need for further improvement,” Keleng affirmed.
Keleng reiterated GPAA’s commitment to implementing the peace agreement and promoting harmonious relations with neighbouring communities. He urged all communities to refrain from retaliatory attacks and encouraged them to report any security threats promptly to the relevant authorities.