By Deng Ghai Deng
The Cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir, has directed the Minister of Interior, Angelina Teny, to recover cattle looted during a deadly attack in Mogiri Payam, Juba County.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday, targeted cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and resulted in at least 22 fatalities, with several others wounded.
During a press briefing on Friday, Minister of Information Michael Makuei Lueth confirmed the devastating toll from the ambush, which saw around 500 heads of cattle stolen by an armed group.
The attackers remain unidentified, but sources indicate that the cattle are being held in the Mangala area, prompting the Cabinet to take swift action.
“It is not known who the attackers are, but we have received information that the cattle are being held in Mangala. The Minister of Interior has been directed to ensure these cattle are not moved and to take necessary measures to apprehend them and, if possible, return them to their rightful owners.” Makuei told reporters.
The Cabinet has also instructed Minister Teny to conduct a full investigation into the incident and report back with her findings.
In addition to the recovery efforts, the Cabinet strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a serious source of insecurity.
“This kind of violence disrupts the peace and security of the Juba-Bor road, which was established to serve the people, not to be exploited for criminal acts,” Makuei added.
Authorities are urging swift action to prevent further violence in the area, which has already seen tensions escalate in recent months.