By Jurugo Emmanuel Ogasto
A 25-year-old South Sudanese refugee living in Maaji Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District has been left devastated after unknown thieves raided her poultry farm and stole 31 chickens.
The victim, identified as Keji Jane, said the theft happened on Tuesday night at her home in Maaji 2 settlement, where she has been struggling to build a better life through poultry farming.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Newspaper in tears, Keji described the incident as a major setback to the business she has worked hard to establish over the years.
According to Keji, she discovered the theft after noticing that several chickens were missing from her poultry house.
After carrying out a count, she confirmed that 31 chickens had been stolen by unknown people during the night.
“I have suffered a lot to raise these chickens,” she said emotionally. This project was helping me survive and support myself. Now I do not know where to begin again.”
Keji explained that she started poultry farming with only 15 chicks after arriving in the refugee settlement.
Through dedication and hard work, she managed to grow the project into a successful small-scale business with more than 100 chickens before the theft occurred.
She said the poultry project had become her main source of income and hope for a better future.
The earnings from the farm were helping her buy food, meet personal needs, and support other basic requirements in the settlement.
“This was not easy,” she added. “I started with very few chicks, but I kept working hard every day. Seeing people steal from me like this is painful.”
Following the incident, Keji reported the matter to the Maaji Police Post yesterday, hoping authorities would investigate the case and help recover the stolen chickens.
However, efforts by No. 1 Citizen Newspaper to obtain a comment from the officer in charge at Maaji Police Post were unsuccessful.
The officer declined to speak to the media, saying police officers at the post were not allowed to issue statements to journalists.
Cases of theft continue to worry many refugees and residents in parts of Adjumani District, especially those involved in small businesses and farming activities.
Many refugees depend on agriculture, poultry, and small trade projects for survival due to limited employment opportunities in the settlements.
Keji is now appealing to community members and security authorities to help identify the suspects behind the theft. She said such criminal acts discourage refugees who are trying to work hard and become self-reliant.
“I only want justice,” she said. “People should respect the little businesses others are struggling to build.”
Community leaders in refugee settlements have repeatedly encouraged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security officials to fight rising theft cases affecting vulnerable families and business owners.
For Keji, the loss of 31 chickens is not only a financial blow but also an emotional one, as the poultry farm represented years of determination, sacrifice, and hope for a stable future in exile.