The authorities of Cueibet County in Lakes State have resolved to give back cattle raided from neighbouring counties in the expectation that their own stolen animals would also be returned.
Cueibet County Commissioner Isaac Mayom Malek told Good News Radio that youths spearheaded by the sons of a local chief stole over 200 cows from a neighbouring county in a revenge raid.He added that the stolen cows were to be taken to Abiriu, a village-market near Rumbek, for the owners to identify their animals and take them home.
Commissioner Mayom reiterated the government’s commitment to maintain security and to ensure reconciliation through such initiatives.
He called on the local authorities to uphold the law and not to justify their peoples’ misbehaviour.
He called on all communities in South Sudan to stop cattle raiding, advocating for mutual respect of each other’s property.
Commissioner Mayom said the local communities have to work hard to confront insecurity.
He said three quarters of insecurity incidents are local problems and local chiefs have to deal with them locally.
Commissioner Mayom confirmed that 34 heads of cattle belonging to Rumbek Central County were already in Abiriu to be collected by the owners.
Another 20 animals belonging to Rumbek North County were taken to Rumbek.