Governor Lobong mulls aid mobilization for Magwi IDPs

The influx of IDPs since the aftermath of the Nyolo attacks have led to closure of schools to host the displaced communities

By Theophilous Ochang and Lodu William

The Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, Louis Lobong has called on the entire population in the state to make generous contributions for the displaced people in Magwi.

Addressing the media on Wednesday in Agoro Payam, Lobong stressed the need to contribute to the suffering population in Magwi County who fell victim after the deadly cattle raid in Nyolo last week.

“I appeal to the people of Eastern Equatoria, to contribute in terms of materials and food for these people who lost their properties. We should not depend only on the UN agencies, let the people of Eastern Equatoria contribute,” he said.

He tasked all state county commissioners to take the lead in requesting for contributions from the citizens to help rescue the lives of the affected communities.

“I call on the county commissioners to receive this message and request contributions of food, clothing, whatever they can to be brought to these people here.”

He assured the communities of the government’s protection and urged them to return home after the security improves.

“We want to assure the people here to come back to their places. The forces are here, they will provide the security for them,” Governor Lobong said.

According to the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), 21,000 people have been displaced to Magwi town following the incident in Nyolo payam.

Magwi schools closed to host IDPs

Meanwhile, authorities in Magwi County closed down schools within the town due to the increasing numbers of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) seeking shelter at the schools.

Mrs. Achiro Grace Okumu, the Magwi County Education Director said the schools are temporally closed due to the influx of the IDPs from Magwi payam, Agoro payam and Omeo payam respectively.

“In Magwi County, some schools in parts like Obbo payam are functional since the term has just begun but Magwi payam and some affected areas of Agoro and Omeo are not functioning due to the current situation,” she said.

However, she said the closure would not take long, and that the county authorities would announce the resumption, “It will not take long maybe next week.”

“We want to assure the people here to come back to their places. The forces are here, they will provide the security for them,” Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong said.