By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Chief of Negerjebi Village in Lokiliri Payam has raised concerns about the return of cattle herders, months after national and state governments ordered them to return to their areas of origin.
Justiro Madio estimates that between 50 and 55 cattle camps have already invaded villages and destroyed agricultural farmlands in Nesitu village and other areas in Rajaf Payam. The herds are now headed for Negerjebi village in Lokiliri Payam, Central Equatorial State.
Madio said the first incident of the herders’ arrival was registered in September when they destroyed sorghum, groundnuts, and other cereal crops in Rajaf Payam.
He warned that the current rate of cattle influx and destruction could lead to poor harvests and famine.
Most of the farmlands destroyed are for subsistence farmers, and some pastoralists have already crossed the two bridges after Nesitu Boma, while others have stationed themselves around the Keti area and their numbers continue to grow daily.
“These are the same Dinka Bor herders whom the government had ordered to relocate, but they have returned from Terekeka County via Rajaf Payam and Nesitu, heading toward Negerjebi, where they previously killed 12 innocent civilians,” Madio said.
Madio stated that some pastoralists are armed, while others trekking on the main road from Nesitu Boma to Negerjebi are accompanied by vehicles.
He recalled that in 2022, the same group of pastoralists stormed Negerjebi, resulting in the deaths of over 10 civilians.
“Over 10 civilians perished in Negerjebi, 5 others in Edemo, apart from those killed in Aru junction and Acholi land due to conflicts caused by the pastoralists. If the government doesn’t intervene, we are headed for the worst,” the Chief warned.
Despite engaging with security officials along the Juba-Nimule Highway to evacuate the cattle herders, many officers are awaiting directives from either the State or National Government.
Madio noted that the Lokoya and Lulubo Lokiliri Payam communities are peace-loving people, many of whom are cattle keepers themselves. However, the recent conflict initiated by a section of pastoralists has led to tensions between farmers and herders.
The Chief urged cattle keepers to respect farmers’ livelihoods and called upon the government to intervene by relocating the livestock to their areas of origin to prevent further loss of life and property.