By James Innocent
Cattle herders have killed an elderly man in Yei River County and took dozens of animals, local leaders said.
The incident occurred at Gimunu area, near Yei Airstrip, where the victim was grazing his livestock.
According to Executive Chief of Gimunu Boma, Lowuya Morish, a large group of cattle herders launched a surprise attack on the elderly man near his home.
The herders reportedly shot the man in the leg before finally burning him in the bush and proceeded to steal 48 heads of cattle.
“Cattle herders came and looted 48 cattle belonging to an old man grazing cattle near his home in the area of Gimunu boma in a surprise attack and they burned the body,” he said.
Following the attack, four of the stolen cows returned to the victim’s home.
This incident sparked outrage among local youth, who prepared to pursue the herders with bows and arrows.
However, Chief Morish intervened, discouraging them from taking retaliatory action, instead he advised them to report the incident to government officials in Yei town.
The presence of roaming cattle herders in Central Equatoria has been a source of growing tension in recent months.
Farmers and residents have expressed concerns over grazing land encroachment, crop destruction, and increased security risks.
The influx of herders is often attributed to drought and insecurity in their home areas, forcing them to seek pasture and water in more stable regions.
Emmanuel Taban Seme, Commissioner of Yei River County, strongly condemned the “barbaric act” perpetrated by the suspected herders.
He described the killing of the elderly man as a “criminal act” and vowed to pursue justice.
He has directed all security agencies operating in the county to utilize their full mandate to protect civilians and their assets.
The incident has heightened fears among residents in the surrounding areas.
Many are now afraid to venture far from their homes, impacting agricultural activities.