State Cabinet Orders Tougher Action Against Child Abductions and Gangs

(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State Cabinet has directed security agencies to increase vigilance and surveillance to curb child abductions and rising gang activities that continue to threaten public safety in Juba and across the state.

The directive was issued on Thursday during the State Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel at the State Secretariat in Juba.

The governor urged all state institutions to remain focused on their responsibilities to ensure effective public service delivery and to work together in solving community challenges.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the State Minister of Information and Communication, Hon. Nyarsuk Patrick, said the cabinet received a detailed security briefing from the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies. The report described the overall security situation in the state as stable, though isolated incidents continue to be reported.

According to the briefing, child abduction and gang-related crimes remain a major concern, especially around Juba City and its surrounding payams. Hon. Nyarsuk revealed that six children were kidnapped last week at Aru Junction in Lokiliri Payam.

Two of the abducted children have been rescued by security forces, and efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining four. He added that the rescued children are safe and are being reunited with their families.

Governor Mujung called on the security agencies to act swiftly to dismantle criminal networks and protect communities, especially children who are increasingly targeted by abductors and gangs.

He stressed that security and law enforcement agencies must work closely with local communities and leaders to enhance information sharing and early response.

During the same meeting, the cabinet also discussed a memo presented by the Minister of Labour, Public Service and Human Resource Development, Hon. Huda Micah Laila, on the new Public Service Training Policy. The policy aims to improve professional skills, enhance motivation and strengthen work ethics among civil servants in state institutions.

However, Hon. Nyarsuk said the cabinet deferred the memo to the next sitting to allow the ministry to include additional ideas and recommendations suggested by cabinet members.

The Council of Ministers further approved amendments to the resolutions passed in the previous meeting. Governor Mujung stressed the government’s commitment to building a safer and more efficient administration that serves the people of Central Equatoria State.

Residents in Juba have welcomed the government’s move, calling for stronger community cooperation with security forces to ensure the safety of children and youth.