By Lodu William Odiya
The Western Equatoria State Government has urged communities in Greater Mundri and the Mundari community in Central Equatoria State to return cattle reportedly taken during recent raids.
In a statement that was released by the WES press unit on Friday, Western Equatoria State Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa said more than 800 cattle were reportedly taken from communities in Greater Mundri while 65 cattle were reportedly raided by the Mundari community in Central Equatoria State.
“Governor Badagbu said communities had committed to returning the cattle in their possession as part of efforts to resolve the dispute peacefully,” the statement partly read.
He said the state government has formed a committee to follow up with the affected communities and other stakeholders, particularly in Lui of Central Equatoria State, to facilitate the recovery and return of the cattle.
The governor further said the committee would also engage a man identified as Bukulu, who is reportedly in possession of some of the cattle, and encourage him to voluntarily return them.
He added that the recovered cattle would be herded in Rokon, Central Equatoria State, as efforts continue to facilitate the return of the animals.
“Governor Badagbu urged all communities involved to cooperate with the recovery process and return the cattle peacefully, stressing that dialogue and cooperation are key to resolving the dispute and strengthening relations between communities in Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states,” the statement added.