By Deng Ghai Deng
At least three girls aged 14 to 16 were abducted by suspected armed militia from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) on Sunday, according to local officials.
Puok Nyang, the Commissioner of Akobo County confirmed that the abduction occurred on Sunday morning, while the girls were travelling between Walgak and Lankien.
He condemned the act as a violation of the Inter-Communal Governmental Structure (ICGS) agreements reached at a recent peace meeting in Juba and Pieri.
“This incident marks a troubling continuation of violence against innocent children and women in our area. The names of the abducted girls are Nyaduoth Piny Rom, Nyaluak Tongker Koda, and Nyapan Reath Duoth.,” Commissioner Nyang stated.
He urged the leadership of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) to take immediate action to identify the abducted girls and facilitate their safe return to their families.
This abduction echoes a similar case from April 2024, in which three children were taken and are believed to be in the custody of an individual named William Gogol in Likuangole County.
Over the past three months, twelve children have reportedly been abducted in Nyirol County, intensifying fears for the safety of children in the area.
“If nothing is urgently done to address these abductions, the peace we have built will be in jeopardy,” Nyang warned. “I called on both state and national authorities to take decisive action against the rising tide of violence and abductions that threaten the security and stability of Jonglei State.”
In response, Oleyo Akuer, the minister of information for the GPAA, stated he was unaware of the incident but promised to follow up with officials in neighboring counties to investigate.
“We will check with the county commissioners bordering Akobo, such as Likwangule, for more information,” Akuer said.
Child abductions and cattle rustling have been persistent issues between the GPAA and Jonglei State, despite numerous goodwill agreements signed between the Nuer, Dinka, and Murle communities.