By Peter Kuol Kuch
The drivers’ Union in Jonglei State has called for the relocation of Mogiri Cattle Auction citing that it amplifies insecurities for the travellers along Juba-Bor highway.
Jonglei State drivers’ Union made this call following an ambush on the passenger’ vehicle which led to the injury of two passengers and a kidnapping on Tuesday this week.
Speaking to this Publication, Deng Jool, the Chairperson of Jonglei State drivers’ Union said that most of road ambushes along Bor –Juba highway can be attributed to cattle market in Mogiri.
“Well, we are aware about the incident of this week. But the truths is, anytime there is presence of cattle in Mogiri and each time they are finished, this is when we encountered road ambushes and attack. We call on the Central Equatoria State government to relocate this market to the main market in Gumbo. ’he said.
Deng Stated that road ambushes that are normally waged against the passenger’s vehicle Juba-Bor highways are linked to poverty.
“In yesterday’s incident, it’s reported that two were injured during the incident. We see into it that those who are doing these kind of activities at the highways are forced by poverty.’’ Deng said.
According to Jonglei State drivers’ Union Chairperson, the Major cattle market is located at Gumbo, in Juba, hosting different cattle traders in the Country.
“we know that the main market for cattle is in Gumbo, why maintaining another here out of Juba. Having this market here doesn’t grantee the security off traders or the passengers either. We need it to be relocated.’’he said.
However, Mogiri Cattle auction in Central Equatoria State has been a strategic business centre for Murle Cattle traders for many years. However, it’s described many authorities to be illegal.
Mogiri Cattle auction encountered two deadly attacks in separate incidents by suspected gunmen this year leading to looting of cattle from traders and destruction of properties.
The events of those kinds have fostered frequent insecurities, affecting travels along Juba-Bor highways in the recent months.
Efforts to Reach South Sudan Police Spokesperson and Central Equatoria State authorities were unsuccessful to comment on this story.