The local authorities and community in Budi County in Eastern Equatoria State have called for justice following a brutal raid that resulted in the deaths of three young children and two elders over the weekend when suspected bandits from the Logir community of Ikotos County attacked their area.
The raiders struck last Friday night, leaving behind a trail of grief and loss.
Budi County Commissioner Julius Amin said it is the sixth attack their community has suffered from their neighbors, despite a peace accord last year designed to foster harmony.
“They (attackers) entered the kraal under the cover of darkness, catching families off guard. They found three children aged three, five, and ten asleep when they opened fire and killed them,” he explained. “They also killed two elders and left two others injured before fleeing with over 100 head of cattle.”
He emphasized that this incident has caused a profound sense of sorrow and anger in the community, particularly given the ages of the victims.
“Budi County is currently calm, but the emotional toll is severe. We swiftly reported the issue to the state government, which, in turn, directed the matter to the Ikotos County authorities to take necessary actions against those responsible,” he said. “We demand the return of our stolen cattle and an end to this cycle of violence.”
Commissioner Amin passionately urged local youth and families to strive for peace.
“While anger is natural, we must respond with understanding. We cannot lose sight of our goal; peace is essential for our development in Eastern Equatoria,” he said. “We hold our prayers for the innocent lives lost, especially these young children.”
Meanwhile, Ikotos County Commissioner Timon Lolori, who was also present in Torit during the events, echoed Amin’s call for peace.
“It is crucial to understand that the state government has been alerted about these heinous acts. Both commissioners were present when the news broke. We stand united in seeking a resolution,” he asserted. “We have been advocating for peace, but without adequate support, we remain vulnerable to such attacks. The presence of firearms among civilians only escalates the danger.”
For her part, Eunice Nakiru, an activist who works with the Eastern Equatoria State Women Association, condemned the senseless violence.
“There is a spiritual and moral void that has allowed such brutality to take place in our communities. In the past, cattle raiding occurred, but the lives of women, elders, and children were always respected,” she lamented. “Today, however, it seems that human lives have lost value, and that is deeply troubling. We need to reclaim our humanity and prioritize the protection of innocent lives; the children should never be caught in the crossfire.”
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