By Yiep Joseph
Governor of Central Equatoria State, Gen. Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani, has called on residents of Terekeka County to embrace peace.
Governor Jadalla made his statement on Saturday during an urgent visit to the area following a land dispute between residents of Jor and Koggi Bomas, according to a statement.
The governor urged the residents to reject any divisions initiated by politicians.
“We must reject the politics of division. This problem is not caused by you (the displaced); it is stirred by some political actors with selfish agendas. You are all Mundari people,” Jadalla said.
The violent confrontation, sparked by a contested grazing area, resulted in the tragic loss of eight lives, 18 injuries, and the destruction of numerous homes.
The incident also forced the displacement of several families, predominantly women and children, from Koggi village.
During his tour of the affected areas, Governor Jadalla condemned the violence and ordered the immediate deployment of security forces to stabilize the area and prevent further conflict.
He appealed to the residents to shun all forms of violence and urged them to resolve misunderstandings through dialogue.
Governor Jadalla reiterated the government’s commitment to helping those affected by the incidents through the provision of emergency aid.
On his part, Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, Acting Minister of Information and Communication, assured the displaced people and residents that the state government is committed to a peaceful and sustainable resolution.
“The Governor’s timely intervention has greatly calmed the situation. We expect that displaced persons will begin returning home in the coming days with the support they need,” Aligo said.
Paramount Chief Abraham Gai of Terekeka applauded the state government delegation for their urgent intervention, expressing optimism that the dispute can be easily resolved. “We are thankful for the Governor’s presence. We now look to the government to handle this matter with urgency and care,” Gai said.
He vowed to engage both parties to ensure that violence is never again an option in resolving misunderstandings.
The Governor was accompanied by a high-level state delegation comprising the State Advisor for Peace and Security, Angelo Daya; the Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs, Taban Emmanuel Baya; the Minister of Peacebuilding, Jacob Aligo; the Minister of Trade and Industry, Stephen Lado Onesimo; the Minister of Roads and Bridges, Clement Maring; and top security officials.
Earlier this year, Central Equatoria State Governor Gen. Augustino Jadalla and his team toured Terekeka County.
While in Terekeka, Jadalla conducted several engagements, including meetings with various stakeholders and rallies where he called for peaceful coexistence among the communities. communities.