Security forces have rescued 124 children who were transported from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State to the capital Juba without formal consent from parents or state authorities, a lawmaker and community representatives said.
The children, 21 girls and 103 boys, were intercepted by security personnel at the entrance to Juba on May 5 after being moved in buses without what officials described as proper documentation.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Saturday, Member of Parliament Stephen Ajongo Akol, who also represents the Aweil community in Juba, said the children were returned to Northern Bahr el Ghazal State for reunification with their families and possible legal action.
“The buses carrying the children were stopped at the entry point to Juba by security forces. We found there was no legal permit for their transportation,” Ajongo said, adding that the Stone International Church, led by Peter Ayual Deng, had claimed the children were being taken to Juba for free education.
He said a committee had been formed in Northern Bahr el Ghazal to receive the children and brief the public on the circumstances of their removal.
“We have not been at peace seeing young children exposed to uncertainty and illness. The first group will arrive in Aweil this evening [Saturday],” he said.
Ajongo said authorities would pursue legal action against those implicated in the case.
Community leader Salva Door Geng, a former member of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Legislative Assembly, was alleged by local officials to have links to the operation involving Peter Ayual Deng, also known as Peter AD, who leads Stone International Church. He was not immediately available for comment.
Separately, officials said 245 other children previously mobilised by the same group were reunited with their families in Aweil East County over the weekend after being intercepted while being moved towards Juba.
Paramount Chief Piol Geng Ariath of Buonchuai community in Aweil South County said families were unaware of how the children were taken.
“I was away for medical treatment. When I returned, I was told security had stopped children near Bongo Station close to the SSPDF headquarters at Bilpam,” he said.
He added that some children were reportedly taken from several areas in Aweil South and neighbouring locations.
Malong Bak Malong, deputy chairperson of the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Civil Society Network, welcomed the security intervention.
“This is a serious matter. Children should not be moved to unknown locations without consent. We commend the security forces for tracing and recovering them,” he said.
Last month, police warned of a rise in serious crimes, including suspected human trafficking involving children.
Authorities said two separate incidents were recorded in March and April in Central Equatoria and Warrap states, in which 25 children from Warrap were rescued in Central Equatoria.
Brig. James Dak Karlo, director of the Special Unit at the Ministry of Interior, told Radio Tamazuj last month that police were handling multiple cases involving child abuse and suspected trafficking.
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