Juba, South Sudan, 24 May 2021 – A local authority in Uror County in Jonglei State has expressed concerns over the worsening insecurity stemming from cattle-related skirmishes that sent hundreds into hibernation.
In a statement seen by Nyamilepedia, Tang Chatim, Uror County Commissioner said on Monday that the local population in the area has not cultivated since the rain started because of fears of recurring and continuous attacks while in the fields.
Chatim also raised concerns over a Sunday morning attack where one person was killed and a herdsman severely wounded during an encounter with suspected cattle raiders in Pathet village.
“Over the past few weeks, cattle raids have been on the rise in Uror. On Sunday morning, our youth clashed with cattle raiders attempting to steal cattle in Pathet village, Padiet Payam. There, one person was killed and the other injured. Fortunately, the attackers were not able to take any cow,” Tang said.
Chatim also bemoaned the frequent deadly attacks faced repeatedly by his people, and as a result, farmers are unable to cultivate stressing that the scenario has made mobility difficult, especially to Bor and other areas.
Chatim blamed the insecurity on armed youth groups from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) and called on the authorities there to intervene, warning that such attacks may lead to more cyclic violence.
Major Tuong Ruai, the County Police Inspector, admitted that the security deterioration had worsened in the past weeks and they couldn’t protect civilians due to logistical challenges.
“As police, we have a presence in Uror. We are unable to efficiently protect our civil populations because of logistical challenges. In the county, we do not have any vehicles, so we cannot reach remote areas or provide patrols,” he stressed.
For his part, Lokali Amae, a lawmaker in the GPAA legislative council, deplored the continuous attacks in Uror and said they will work with the authorities there to restore peace and security.
“We were informed of these incidents. But we do not know who these youths are carrying out the attacks. We will try to investigate. And in the following weeks, we will move to the grassroots to preach peace. Indeed, we are in peace with Lou Nuer, and none of our youth should attack them, or even and other neighboring communities,” he said.
