By Sabri Dibaco
Juba County Caretaker Commissioner Kalisto Lado has called on youth involved in criminal activities to abandon crime, return to their families and resume their education, or surrender peacefully to the police for counselling and rehabilitation ahead of Christmas and the upcoming general elections.
In a statement, Commissioner Lado appealed directly to young people he said were involved in criminal activities, urging them to choose peaceful lives rather than continue engaging in acts that could threaten public safety.
“As we approach Christmas and the elections, I want to tell Toronto and youth involved in criminal activities to surrender yourselves. Surrender yourselves peacefully,” Lado said.
He encouraged the youth to abandon their activities, reunite with their families and return to school. Those unable to do so, he said, should surrender to the police so that they can receive the necessary counselling and rehabilitation at a reformatory.
“You either abandon what you are doing, return to your families, and go back to school, or surrender yourselves to the police so that you can be taken to a reformatory to receive the necessary counselling and rehabilitation,” he said.
A woman resident of Juba Gudele Two, Mama Mary, welcomed the commissioner’s statement, saying that parents, community leaders and authorities should work together to discourage young people from engaging in crime.
“I support the commissioner’s call because our young people are important to our families and the future of this country. Those involved in criminal activities should listen to this message, return home and continue their education. We want our children to live in peace, especially as we approach Christmas and the elections,” she said.
Kenyi Emmanuel, a male resident from the Munuki area, also supported the appeal, urging the youth to take the opportunity to change their behavior and contribute to peace and security in their communities.
“The commissioner has given the youth an important message. Instead of continuing with criminal activities, they should surrender peacefully, seek guidance and rebuild their lives. We also call on parents, community leaders and the police to work together to help young people leave crime and become responsible members of society,” he said.
The residents said community cooperation would be important in encouraging young people to abandon crime and preventing insecurity during the festive season and election period.
Since he was appointed Caretaker Commissioner of Juba County, Kalisto Lado has been serving in a transitional local-government leadership role, with responsibilities that include addressing community concerns, supporting public order and coordinating local administration.
His latest appeal highlights the importance of youth engagement, public safety and rehabilitation as the county prepares for the festive season and the planned elections.
The commissioner’s call is therefore directed at both young people involved in criminal activities and the wider community, urging them to work towards safer neighbourhoods and peaceful celebrations.
As Christmas and the elections approach, residents would be looking to local authorities and communities to help prevent crime, protect civilians and maintain peace across Juba County.