By Deng Ghai Deng
Authorities in Akobo County, Jonglei State, have increased security measures following a deadly attack and child abductions over the past two days.
Two people were killed and three children were abducted in separate incidents believed to be carried out by suspected criminals from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the commissioner of Akobo County, confirmed the attacks, explaining that on Monday, around 12 PM, a group of youth guarding cattle in Diror Payam, Akobo West, were ambushed by armed assailants from Greater Pibor.
Two of the youth were killed in the attack, and cattle were raided by the attackers. However, after hearing gunfire, local youth pursued the raiders, managed to recover the stolen cattle, and brought them back to the village.
“This attack happened days after three children were abducted in Uror by the same criminal group from Greater Pibor,” said Commissioner Tutjiek.
He strongly condemned the incidents and called for a stop to the attacks.
“One of the things we agreed upon in the Akobo Agreement was to halt mass mobilization from each side to attack the other. Our youth in Jonglei have never crossed into Greater Pibor, and we urge them to stop attacking people on the highway, abducting women and children, and raiding property,” he added.
In response to the allegations, Jacob Werchum Juok, the GPAA Minister of Information, denied knowledge of the incidents but assured that investigations would be carried out.
“We are not aware of what happened in Akobo County. Our communities are currently peaceful with neighboring communities. We haven’t heard of any incidents at the border and cannot provide any further information,” Juok stated.
Cattle raiding and child abduction have been persistent issues in both Jonglei State and Greater Pibor, despite several peace agreements aimed at fostering cooperation and peace between the communities.
Authorities in Akobo County have called for more robust enforcement of these agreements to prevent further violence and insecurity.