By Kei Emmanuel Duku
Fear has gripped residents of Songoma Clan in Bereka Boma, Lainya County, following an attack by cattle herders, suspected from Mundari.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, resulted in the death of a resident identified as Valentino Malish and theft of an unspecified number of livestock.
Lainya County Commissioner, Robert John Morris Lasu condemned the act, stating that the raiding of goats and tragic loss of life constitute a severe violation of human rights.
He added that the act compromises peace and security of the people of Lainya County.
According to the commissioner, the attack undermines previous efforts by various stakeholders, foster peaceful coexistence between host communities and pastoralists, to accommodate herders from Mundari to graze within Lainya County.
“Despite the hopes of reaching an amicable solution to allow them to graze their cattle peacefully, it is evident that they have failed to uphold their end of the agreement,” the county authority stated.
Lasu noted that the deliberate disregard for the lives and livelihoods of host community members, is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.
The Commissioner strongly condemned the violent and unlawful actions, urging the cattle herders to abide by agreements made during dialogue and to respect the boundaries and rights of Lainya County residents.
Lasu added that, Lainya county authority will launch a full investigation into the killing, to ensure justice and hold perpatrators accountable.
“We call upon the relevant authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure the safety and security of all residents in the county, as we are also working tirelessly to establish the exact cause of the incident,” the statement further read.
He emphasized that violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated in Lainya County, and those found responsible for the “barbaric act” will face the full force of the law, as such aggression undermines peace, harmony, and the security of the local population.