Rumbek County caretaker Commissioner hands over recovered livestock to owners

By Makur Adut

Authorities in Rumbek Central County have recover 30 cattle that were stolen in Rumbek town. The animals, which included two cows and 28 goats, were looted following a confrontation between armed youth from Nyang community of Rumbek Central County and Gak of Pakam community of Rumbek North County.

Speaking following the successful recovery, caretaker Commissioner of Rumbek Central County, Manyiel Riak Manyiel urged the communities of Kuei, Rup and Pakam to avoid conflicts and instead embrace peaceful coexistence.

“They must secure what they have lost,” he said, revealing that they managed to recover all the 28 goats and successfully handed them over to Niel-niel women.

“This is how we can maintain peaceful coexistence among communities. We must ensure that incase of any cattle rustling, the animals must be recovered and returned to their rightful owners. If you steal someone’s property, you must return it or face legal action,” he said, adding that the directive was issued by the caretaker governor of Lakes State,

“Rumbek does not belong to one community or county but all the eight counties. Everyone must feel safe in the state,” the commissioner added.

He urged women and locals who had escaped from their homes during the attack to return.

“The youths who attacked Rumbek Town have left and returned to cattle camps. We are warning those who are continuing the criminal acts of looting in Madol Akoch residential area that they will bear the responsibility of their crimes and face the full force of the law,” he said.

Meanwhile, civil society leader, Laat Chol, commended the security forces and government agencies for the successful operation, and urged for reconciliation between the affected communities.