By Deng Athian
The government of Aweil East County has called on the Ministry of Interior in Juba to urgently investigate an alleged child trafficking incident involving Stone International Church.
This followed the interception of 245 children being transported to the capital under what was described as a scholarship program.
Authorities said the children, aged between five and 12 years, were recovered on May 5 after four buses entered Madhol Payam and Marol Akot areas to collect minors for transport to Juba.
Local officials raised concerns after reports circulated about a government-backed scholarship initiative.
However, the county administration said it had no knowledge of such a program and confirmed that no authorisation had been issued by either state or national authorities.
Security forces intercepted the buses and escorted them to Wanyjok headquarters, where investigations were launched.
Those involved reportedly claimed the children had been selected for educational scholarships in Juba.
However, authorities stated that no official documentation or government approval was presented to substantiate the claim.
The Aweil East government accused individuals associated with Stone International Church, including a self-proclaimed prophet identified as Peter AD, of deception and said the operation raised serious suspicions of possible human trafficking.
Aweil East County Commissioner Garang Thiang Deng called for a swift and thorough investigation by the Ministry of Interior.
“The county government had no knowledge of any scholarship programme involving these children,” he said. “No authorization was issued by any competent authority for such movement.”
He added that the incident represented “a serious case of deception affecting vulnerable families” and urged national authorities to act quickly to prevent similar occurrences.
All 245 children were later safely reunited with their families.
Community members have since expressed concern over the incident, calling for tighter regulation of organisations involved in child transport and education-related programmes. Parents also urged authorities to strengthen verification processes before any child-focused initiatives are approved.
The Aweil East administration reiterated its call for a national investigation and accountability for those involved.