By Yang Ater
Two dedicated wildlife officers have been shot dead in Along-bek area, Among-piny Payam of Rumbek Central County, Lakes State early Thursday morning; the police confirmed.
Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, the Lakes State spokesperson said that ‘armed criminals’ from neighbouring Panyijar County in Unity State were responsible for the killings.
“We are currently in the process of gathering additional information to shed light on this incident. We need to ascertain whether the two wildlife officers were alone or if there were others accompanying them,” stated Maj. Makuac.
“These victims were wildlife personnel entrusted with the task of safeguarding the Among-piny Payam area and protecting its wildlife from poachers. We’re conducting a thorough investigation to determine the full extent of the incident and communicate it accordingly.”
The names of the fallen wildlife officers have been identified as Matur Acuoth and Madit Benyther.
Despite the considerable distance, efforts were made to retrieve their bodies; however, the remote location made it inaccessible to vehicles.
As a result, their remains are still at the crime scene, Maj. Mabor said.
“I urge our counterparts in Unity State to maintain cooperation and vigilance in monitoring these criminals who are carrying out unlawful activities along the border areas, particularly between Panyijiar County and the counties of Lakes State, namely Rumbek Central and Yirol East,” he stressed.
Maj. Makuac expressed concern over the repeated occurrence of criminal activities and murders committed by individuals allegedly originating from Panyijiar County.
“It is imperative that our counterparts, especially the security personnel in Panyijiar County, intensify their efforts to monitor and apprehend these criminals. They must be held accountable, thus putting an end to all criminal activities,” he concluded.