Kapoeta East County Commissioner returned 11 animals stolen from the Turkana in Kenya by criminal elements among the Toposa in a bid to establish peaceful co-existence between the two communities.
Titus Lokwacuma told Radio Emmanuel that he had informed the District Officer at the Kenyan border of Lokichogio about the recovery of the 11 animals stolen from the Turkana.He said the animals were captured and recovered by the County authority although Kenyan authorities did not make any formal complaint about the raid.
Commissioner Lokwacuma said the Eastern Equatoria state Government and the County authority wanted to peace across the border by ensuring Toposa youths did not steal animals from the neighbouring countries.
He complained that some thieves from Turkana stole three donkeys from Kapoeta East County and his counterpart in Kenya did not recover the animals.
The recovery and return of the stolen Turkana cattle on Sunday coincided with youth summit to conclude a six-month peace building project that attracted young people from Budi and Kapoeta East Counties.
Catholic Diocese of Torit Justice and Peace Coordinator John Opi said the summit aimed at empowering young people to create awareness on the dangers of cattle raiding and banditry in the region.
Catholic Relief Services and the Catholic Diocese of Torit implemented the peace building pilot project funded by UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Education Fund.