By Kei Emmanuel Duku
The Central Equatorial State (CES) government has declared a major security push, directing its forces to launch an intensified crackdown to dismantle violent gang activities and urgently rescue children kidnapped across the State.
This firm directive was issued on Thursday by the State Council of Ministers, chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Adel Rabi Mujung Emmanuel, following a cabinet meeting at the State Secretariat. The Governor stressed that restoring public safety is the administration’s top priority.
Speaking to the press after the high-level meeting, State Minister of Information and Communication, Nyarsuk Patrick, confirmed the cabinet was briefed on recent alarming security incidents.
The Minister highlighted the gravity of the situation concerning missing children, confirming a recent spate of abductions that has shocked communities.”The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Last week alone, six children were snatched from Aru Junction in Lokiliri Payam, “We can confirm that our dedicated security forces have managed to rescue two of these young ones, and the operation to locate and safely return the remaining four is now ongoing.” Minister Nyarsuk stated
The security apparatus has been ordered to immediately heighten surveillance and patrols to ensure the safe recovery of the missing children and their immediate reunification with their anxious families.
Alongside the abductions, the cabinet focused on the growing threat of organized gang groups, whose activities continue to sow fear and threaten the stability of Juba and surrounding areas.
Governor Mujung made it clear that criminal elements will not be tolerated, urging all state institutions to work collaboratively to address the challenges facing the citizens.”The Governor has given a clear and unequivocal mandate: we must intensify vigilance to curb the violence and criminality perpetrated by these gangs,” Minister Nyarsuk reported. “Public safety is paramount, and we will use the full force of the law to bring peace and order back to our streets.” Only peace needed.
The capital city, Juba, has seen a disturbing rise in the activities of these organized youth groups, often composed of unemployed or disaffected young people. They engage in petty crime, robbery, and street violence, often targeting civilians in residential areas and markets. These activities often escalate to violent confrontations, sometimes involving weapons, creating an environment of fear.
Child abduction in CES is a recurring crime, sometimes linked to criminal motives such as forced labor or human trafficking. The recent incidents in areas like Lokiliri Payam highlight the vulnerability of children, prompting community calls for better protection and more responsive security measures from the State government.
In other matters, the Council of Ministers received a memo on the Public Service Training Policy aimed at enhancing the skills and job satisfaction of civil servants, but deferred its adoption until the next sitting to incorporate additional input from cabinet members.