South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
At least one person was killed, and six children abducted in Monday’s ambush in Nyirol County of Jonglei State, according to local officials.
Biel Jiek Lual Chai, the Director for Information in Nyirol County Information, said the children were abducted by suspected armed youth from Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
“Tragically, one individual has been killed and six children (five females and one boy) have been abducted by the perpetrators. The wounded one is currently enroute to the county headquarter for medical attention,” Lual said in a statement.
He said the incident occurred at Tel around 1:00 A.M.
Lual called for swift action to address the escalating violence and insecurity in the area.
“The leadership of Nyirol County unequivocally condemns this heinous act of violence perpetrated against innocent civilians by members of the Murle from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area,” he said.
Lual said such attacks not only endanger the lives of individuals, but also undermine the peace agreements and reconciliation efforts that have been established, including the recent Inter-Community Governmental Structure (ICGS) in Akobo County.
He said it is vital for all relevant authorities to work together to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further harm to innocent civilians.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the families who have been affected by this tragic and senseless loss of life. May the soul of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Lual said.
For his part, Abraham Kelang, the Minister for Information of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, said feigned ignorance on the incident, saying they are planning to visit counties neighboring Jonglei to address the issue of killings, child abduction and cattle raiding.
“We are planning to visit their locations in Moru County and Likuangole County because they are bordering the side of Jonglei area and in terms of information, I am not aware of that attack,” Kelang said.
The Greater Jonglei Region has been experiencing deadly violence for decades, following a series of cattle raids and child abduction perpetrated by the Murle, Dinka and Nuer communities.
Jonglei State authorities last year, said they had returned between 2021 and 2023, 255 abductees to Greater Pibor Administrative Area, while their counterparts in GPAA handed over only 11 abductees.
But authorities in GPAA, said since January 2024, they recovered more than 16 abducted children and handed them to authorities in Pochalla, Eastern Equatoria and Central Equatoria State.
