Tonj State citizens raise their concerns and blame the government over poor security control in the town since the beginning of New Year.
They added that insecurity has created fear on innocent citizens, overnight threats road attacks, cattle raiding and night robbery.
The insecurity worsens every day, despite the one month curfew issued by the state Governor.
One of the citizens says, ‘You know this issue of insecurity in our town is very serious. Even the market is closed from around 6 or 8 PM. You don’t feel okay in your own house because of insecurity. As you know, if you hear a sound of gun, you don’t know whether it is cattle raiding or whatsoever. So we are really appealing to the state government to look into this issue of insecurity in our town’.
The citizen wonders why there is still shooting and looting of people’s property at a time when South Sudanese are expecting lasting peace.
‘As citizens, we don’t know what the problem is. Even from 9 p.m you hear gunshots. So we are confused really. Is it the night patrol that is shooting or criminals? We heard that there is night patrol, but still there is looting of people’s property and cattle raiding. Is it criminals or the government?
Another citizen says the government is supposed to protect people’s lives and property.
‘There is no improvement. Everything is worsening. You don’t feel safe even in your own house. When you reach morning, you say you are okay’, says the South Sudanese.
Meanwhile, town mayor Joseph Anan Mador promises that the government is working hard to restore peace and unity in the state.
He adds that it is the government’s duty to protect citizens and their property.