By Kei Emmanuel Duku
A tense situation unfolded in Juba City on Thursday morning as land grabbers clashed with security forces deployed by Juba County Authorities to oversee a demolition exercise in Molobur village.
The exchange of gunfire, which lasted for over twenty minutes, was started by armed individuals, including former soldiers and policemen, who had been illegally distributing land in the area. Despite the heavy gunfire, there were no reported casualties.
Edward Dia, the Area Member of Parliament representing Jebel Lodu at the State Legislative Assembly stated that the demolition exercise was aimed at restoring order and reallocating land to its rightful owners.
He accused a group of land grabbers of forcibly taking over land in Molobur Village, displacing the legitimate owners.
Dia revealed that the land grabbers in Jebel Lodu Payam are often connected to senior government officials, who use their influence to evict citizens and sell the land to others.
He criticized the illegal practices of these individuals, who often come armed and accompanied by bodyguards and surveyors.
The MP pointed out that many of the land grabbers are wounded heroes who claim to have been allocated land by the county government.
He added that the situation had worsened after the removal of former Juba County Commissioner Joseph Charles Wani, who had previously taken steps to address land grabbing in the area.
Dia expressed concern for the displaced residents, many of whom have been forced to relocate to Island areas.
However, the ongoing flooding has further impacted their lives, leaving them homeless and vulnerable.