Security stability has returned to Rokon Payam’s Mirikiyo Boma in Juba County following violent clashes that erupted between cattle herders in the area.
According to Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezibon, the incident began after gunfire broke out in the cattle camps, forcing many civilians to flee their homes and seek shelter at Rokon Centre, particularly in schools and churches.
Speaking during a press conference on Wednesday evening, the commissioner said the clashes resulted in the displacement of approximately 2,031 people. He added that two houses were burned down, one person sustained injuries, and a rape case was reported.
He said both the injured person and the rape survivor are currently receiving medical treatment in Juba.
“This incident has displaced 2,031 people from Mirikiyo Boma of Rokon,” he said. “As the government of Central Equatoria, we came to give food assistance and deploy some security.”
According to Tete, during the incident, two people were abducted; however, with the presence of the joint operation in the area, those abducted were rescued, and two of the perpetrators were apprehended.
“With the presence of the security personnel and the commissioner of Terekeka County and the members of the state parliament, we were able to rescue the two people,” he said.
The commissioner said security forces have since been deployed to the area, and calm has been restored as investigations into the incident continue.
“I want to assure the people of Mirikiyo, Rokon, and Central Equatoria as a whole that calm has returned to the area,” Tete reassured. “Through the leadership of the commandoes and joint operation, we have carried out deployment here.”
He added that the army deployed in the area will make sure there are no clashes and that the situation remains under control. He further called on the young people not to take the law into their hands.
The commissioner said those who were displaced to Rokon Center have gone back to their respective places.
“This (Wednesday) morning, we took those who were displaced back to their bomas. This was through the efforts of the two counties, Terekeka and Juba,” he said. “We got some trucks and transported all the displaced.”