By James Innocent
Residents of Longamere Boma in the Longajur area of Mugwo Payam, Yei River County have called for urgent intervention from authorities after suspected armed raiders stole 21 head of cattle this week.
The raid occurred at about 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday when the attackers reportedly entered the area and drove away livestock belonging to several residents.
According to Malish Noel Scopas, a member of parliament representing Mugwo Payam in the Central Equatoria State Legislative Assembly, the farmers were affected.
Scopas said eyewitnesses reported that the attackers appeared to be operating in coordinated groups.
One group allegedly drove the cattle away while another group entered Mugwo market unarmed, posing as buyers during market activities.
Local sources said the individuals seen at the market were suspected of maintaining phone communication with those carrying out the raid.
Local chiefs and security personnel in Mugwo responded to the incident and arrested three suspects at the market.
Security forces reportedly attempted to pursue those who fled with the cattle, but the animals had not been recovered by the time of reporting.
The incident was reported to the office of the county commissioner and security authorities in Yei and nearby Koro’be, also known as Jamara.
The raid comes just weeks after county authorities convened a community dialogue to address tensions between local farming communities and cattle herders who had moved into Mugwo Payam.
During the meeting, Emmanuel Taban Seme, commissioner of Yei River County, together with security officials from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces, met leaders from the pastoralist communities and representatives of Mugwo Payam to discuss complaints raised by residents.
The commissioner said the meeting was called following reports of crop destruction, cattle theft and gunfire allegedly linked to some cattle camps in the area.
Local leaders also warned that livestock were destroying crops and farms as farmers prepared for the first agricultural season.
Simon Akasa, the head chief of Mugwo Payam, said the situation had disrupted farming activities and created fear among residents.
“We are asking them to leave within seven days so that our people can farm without interference,” Akasa said during the dialogue.
At the end of the meeting, authorities issued a one-week ultimatum for cattle herders vacate cattle camps in Mugwo Payam and return to their place of origin.
Representatives of the pastoralist community acknowledged the concerns raised during the dialogue. Daniel Yuel Aduot, a chief representing the herders, said they had migrated to the area in search of water and pasture due to environmental challenges in Jonglei, including flooding and livestock diseases.
“We came because our cattle could not survive in some of the flooded areas,” Aduot said, noting that cattle remain central to livelihoods in many parts of South Sudan.
He also admitted that authorities had not been formally notified of their arrival and described that as a mistake, adding that the pastoralists were willing to resolve disputes peacefully and did not intend to create conflict with local residents.
Elder Dier Aleu Dier, chairman of Greater Bor, welcomed the county-led dialogue and said the pastoralist community was ready to improve communication and establish clearer internal regulations to prevent misunderstandings.
Meanwhile, SSPDF commander Joseph Garang, who oversees Yei and Morobo counties, urged both communities to exercise restraint and maintain peaceful coexistence, especially during the rainy season, which is critical for farming.
Following the latest raid, residents say they remain concerned that armed groups may still be operating in parts of Mugwo Payam despite the earlier directive for cattle camps to vacate the area.
However, the Central Equatoria State Security Committee, a team organized by the state governor and deployed to Yei, said earlier operations confirmed that cattle herders had already vacated Yei River County following the directive.
Security officials added that investigations are ongoing and that those suspected of stealing the cattle remain at large. Authorities say efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators, recover the stolen animals and ensure accountability.
Community members in Mugwo Payam say they remain committed to cooperating with security agencies but are urging authorities to intensify patrols and investigations to restore confidence and protect livelihoods in the area.