Residents of Awerial County Urged to Shun Violence , Embrace Peace

By Awan Achiek

Vice President for the Infrastructure Cluster Gen. Taban Deng Gai has called on the Awerial County community in Lakes State to shun violence and promote peaceful co-existence.

Taban made this call on Wednesday night while travelling by road to Bentiu, the capital of Unity State, in anticipation of the celebration marking 100 years of the Catholic Church in Unity State.

He was received by Awerial County Commissioner Philip Mawut Garang, SPLM County Secretary General James Awan Parping, as well as local chiefs, youth, and women.

“This year, the government is angry, and if you attack anybody, the government will not leave you, and this is how the law is enforced,” Taban said during his reception at Mingkaman on Wednesday.

He cautioned the residents of Awerial County against engaging in criminal activities, stating that the government would take action against anyone who attempts to violate the law.

“If you commit a crime, the government will come after you, and very soon the country will return to those days where people work only with sticks and spears to protect themselves from lions,” he said.

“Nobody should attack anyone because if you do, the army and helicopters will come after you, and drones will be used against you. You should be law-abiding citizens.”

Philip Mawut Garang, the commissioner of Awerial County, welcomed Vice President Taban Deng and assured him of the county’s stable security.

“These are citizens of Awerial County and Lakes State. We are living in peace and harmony in Awerial County; we are peace-loving people,” Mawut said.