Akobo on high alert following deadly attacks

Authorities in Akobo County, Jonglei State, said they have bolstered security measures following a deadly attack and the abduction of children over the past two days.

Two individuals were reported killed, and three children were abducted in separate incidents, believed to have been carried out by suspected criminals from the neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the commissioner of Akobo County, confirmed that the incidents took place on Monday around noon.

He explained that a group of local youth guarding cattle in Diror Payam, Akobo West, were ambushed by armed assailants. Two of the youth were killed, and cattle were stolen. However, Commissioner Tutjiek reported that the local youth managed to recover the stolen livestock and return it to the village.

“This attack occurred just days after three children were abducted in Uror by the same criminal group from Greater Pibor,” Commissioner Tutjiek said.

He strongly condemned the incidents, calling for an immediate cessation of such attacks. “One of the key agreements in the Akobo Agreement was to prevent mass mobilization from either side to attack the other. Our youth in Jonglei have never crossed into Greater Pibor, and we urge them to stop attacking people on the highway, abducting women and children, and raiding property,” he added.

For his part, Jacob Werchuk Juok, the GPAA Minister of Information, denied any knowledge of the incidents but assured that investigations would be conducted.

 “We are not aware of what happened in Akobo County. Our communities are currently peaceful with their neighbors. We haven’t heard of any incidents at the border and cannot provide any further information,” Juok stated.

Cattle raiding and child abductions have been persistent issues in both Jonglei State and Greater Pibor, despite multiple peace agreements aimed at fostering cooperation and stability between the communities.

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