By Philip Buda Ladu
The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony has ordered for the immediate and unconditional evacuation of the Jonglei armed cattle herders currently camping at Mogiri area of Juba County to their places of origin.
The Governor’s fresh orders to the armed herders was triggered by a shocking Friday morning attack allegedly perpetrated by suspected Jonglei armed cattle herders in a village in Lokiliri of Juba County, leaving 9 people dead, 3 children abducted, houses torched and many displaced.
Wayi Godwil the State Minister of Cabinet Affairs, issued a press statement on behalf of the State Government as seen by No.1 Citizen Daily Newspaper condemning the atrocities committed by the disgruntled armed cattle herders and made it point blank that, the Governor had ordered for the immediate removal of the Jonglei armed herders without any preconditions.
“This morning, the 24th of June 2022, suspected Jonglei armed cattle herders moved out of their transit camp in Mogiri area of Juba County and cruelly attacked Lokiliri village of Juba County leaving nine innocent civilians dead, about three children abducted, several civilians displaced and houses torched” partly read the statement.
The State Cabinet Minister stated that the Government however responded swiftly by deploying security agencies to the scene to rescue the situation from escalating.
“H.E. Emmanuel Adil Anthony, the Governor has further ordered for immediate and unconditional relocation of the cattle which are temporarily camped at Mogiri to their areas of origin in Jonglei State and urges all the citizens along the way to cooperate in the process of their evacuation” the Governor’s evacuation orders to the Jonglei herders categorically stated.
“On behalf of the government and the people of the State, the Governor condemns in the strongest terms possible the additional crimes perpetrated by the Jonglei armed cattle herders in Central Equatoria State” the statement further added.
The Central Equatoria State Government meanwhile appealed for calm from the citizens as the authorities move swiftly to address the matter. “We would want to reassure our population that the government is taking necessary steps to fish out perpetrators”.
The Governor then send deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims of the gruesome attack by the lawless individuals armed cattle herders from Jonglei State. May the souls of the innocent victims rest in eternal peace.