Rumbek North Commissioner Warns Civilians Against Carrying Small Arms in Public Places, Calls for Peace

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

The Commissioner of Rumbek North County, Buoi Mayek, has declared that the county is fully stabilized in terms of security, attributing the progress to security measures implemented by the caretaker Governor of Lakes State, Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor.

Speaking during a press statement on Thursday before departing for Rumbek North County headquarters, Mayek warned that no civilian member of the Pakam community should be found carrying small arms on highways and ring roads, adding that security measures would be taken without hesitation against those who fail to comply.

The commissioner said the state government had been prioritizing the protection of community members and their property on a daily basis. He emphasized that peace and unity remained compulsory among the conflicting sections of the Pakam community.

Mayek said the county was currently working to address criminal cases, including road ambushes, cattle theft and revenge killings, among other security concerns.

He urged the Pakam community to remain vigilant and promote peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities, particularly those in Unity and Warrap states, noting that numerous intermarriages existed between the communities.

The commissioner called on the Pakam community to become ambassadors of peace with neighbouring counties, including Cueibet, Rumbek Centre and Tonj East.

On cattle theft, Mayek said that suspects apprehended in connection with such crimes should be handed over to the authorities in the county where the alleged offence was committed.

He cited the example of youths from Rumbek North suspected of involvement in cattle theft in Unity State, saying they should be arrested in that state without interference from Pakam civilians or the wider community until the relevant authorities had dealt with their cases and imposed appropriate penalties.

Mayek further urged residents of Rumbek North to take their cases, including those handled through traditional courts, to Maper rather than resolving their disputes in Rumbek town, describing the latter practice as unbecoming.

He also called for community awareness and mobilization ahead of the upcoming general elections scheduled for December 22, urging residents to participate equally in the electoral process and choose their leaders wisely and peacefully.