By Chol D. Johnson
Over nineteen thousand people have fled their homes following violence in Likuangole County of Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) last week.
In a press statement issued by Jacob Werchum Juok, the GPAA minister of information, on Wednesday, the attack triggered massive displacement to safer areas in Wuno.
“The attack triggered massive displacement, with approximately 19,200 families forced to flee their homes,” Werchum stated.
Werchum underscored that the violence left at least two people dead and six others injured during the attack.
He reported that after a fierce exchange of gunfire, the attackers fled the area with 312 head of cattle in Wuno Boma of Likuangole County of GPAA.
Werchum emphasised that local youth reportedly pursued the group in an attempt to recover the stolen livestock.
He further stated that the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has strongly condemned the attack.
“The Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has strongly condemned the deadly attack that took place over the weekend in Wuno, Likuangole County,” he said.
Werchum described the incident as a serious act of violence that has disrupted communities and threatened ongoing peace efforts in the region.
The GPAA government called on all armed groups and criminal elements to immediately cease hostilities and embrace peaceful coexistence.
“This brutality undermines the spirit of peace and the collective efforts to ensure stability,” Werchum said.
Werchum further said the GPAA has also appealed to the national government to urgently intervene by reinforcing security forces in the affected areas to protect civilians and their property.
“The Government of Greater Pibor Administrative Area, under the leadership of Chief Administrator Gola Boyoi Gola, reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, security, and harmony across the region,” Werchum stated.
Likuangole County is located in the northern part of the GPAA, bordering Jonglei State in the north.
Earlier this year, the Jonglei State Government and GPAA authorities signed a peace agreement involving the Dinka, Nuer, and Murle communities, represented by county commissioners and traditional leaders, aimed at ending intercommunal violence.