[PRESS RELEASE] – Pibor Youth Union Calls for Peace After Deadly Cattle Raid

(MAGIRI) – The Youth Union of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has strongly condemned a violent attack on Murle cattle traders in Magiri, in which eight people were killed, eight others wounded and over 3,000 head of cattle reportedly stolen.

The statement issued on 6 August 2025 by the Chairperson of the GPAA Youth Union, Ballack P. Wilson described the raid as a brutal and unjustified act believed to have been carried out by armed youths from Jonglei State, particularly the Bor community. The union labelled the attack as a direct threat to peace, security and intercommunal relations in the region.

“This heinous act of violence is not only a crime against the Murle people but also a direct threat to peace, security, and communal harmony in our region,” the statement read.

According to the Youth Union, the Murle cattle traders were targeted during routine travel for commercial purposes. These traders, who contribute to local economies and strengthen social interaction between communities, were ambushed in an act the union described as an intentional attempt to destabilise peaceful coexistence.

The GPAA Youth Union is now calling on the government and security agencies to take immediate action. Their demands include a full and swift investigation into the incident, prosecution of those responsible and increased security patrols to protect traders and travellers moving between communities.

The Youth Union further called on both the Jonglei State and GPAA governments to cooperate in addressing the escalating insecurity, and to avoid letting impunity damage existing peace efforts. They urged the national and regional leadership to prioritise intercommunal dialogue and reconciliation processes.

“We urge all community leaders and stakeholders to reject violence in all its forms and to commit to dialogue, peaceful cohabitation and the rule of law as the only sustainable path to lasting peace in our region,” the statement continued.

In addition to justice and enhanced security, the Youth Union also called for immediate support for the victims’ families and affected communities, including humanitarian aid and trauma counselling.

The economic loss resulting from the theft of more than 3,000 cattle is also significant. Using the estimated average value of SSP 2,116,000 per head of cattle (approximately $460 at the July 2025 exchange rate), the stolen cattle are valued at over 6 Billion SSP or about $1.3 Million USD.