Jonglei’s Akobo and Urrol localities lost 31 people in cattle raiding – MP
By Philip Thon Aleu
February 5, 2009 (BOR) — Thirty one (31) people are dead, 13 wounded and 65,803 cattle looted since January 12 in Akobo and Urrol Counties as security situation remains volatile, a member of State parliament said.
29 people died and 13 others wounded in Urrol County between January 12 and February 3. Also two people were killed on January 28 in Akobo west, Hon. James Ruot told Sudan Tribune on Thursday in Bor Town. 60,000 cattle are reportedly looted in Urrol in the same period and 5,803 cattle in Akobo according to information that Ruot claims was given to him by the commissioners of the affected areas.
James Ruot, a legislator from Akobo constituency and chairman for Agriculture Committee blames Murle tribesmen for the attacks which he said have displaced thousands of people from their homes.
MPs from Murle constituency could not be reached from reactions since the Assembly is in holidays. Also, Sudan Tribune can’t independently establish the attacks due to inaccessibility of those areas by roads and cell phone.
Ruot further says security situation remain deteriorated and appeals to Jonglei State and South Sudan government for assistance. “I appeal to the government to protect the people and disarm the Murle who are disturbing peace in Jonglei State,” he said. Ruot also appeals for international charity organizations for relief aid.
Asked what steps the assembly has taken to address the issues of cattle raiding and rampant killing in the State, Ruot says it is beyond their capacity but responsibility of South Sudan government. He however, observed that Jonglei State Legislative Assembly backs Governor Kuol Manyang’s appeal for mass disarmament since he took office in December 2007.
Urrol County affected areas include Vleng, Jueat, Duaikur, Kuel, Pulgek and Paim between January 12 and February 3. In Akobo west Tangnyang, Hoyohol and Liet areas were attacked concurrently on January 28.
Hon. James Ruot spoke to Commissioner of Urrol Galuak Reath Kuil and Akobo commissioner Doyak Chol over satellite phone where he obtained the information.
Government of Southern Sudan commenced mass disarmament as of 1st June 2008 for a period of six months elapsing in December 2008 but seems to have not improved security situation in Jonglei State.
(ST)