Yei County Forms Mobile Security Force to Pursue Armed Cattle Herders

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Authorities in Yei River County have formed a mobile security force to track down armed cattle herders accused of raiding livestock and causing insecurity in several villages of the county

Residents and community leaders reported that armed cattle keepers, believed to be from the Mundari community, raided hundreds of livestock — including cows, goats, and sheep — in the following areas: Mapoko, Tokori, Pisak, Minyori, Jansuk, Goli, Gimunu and Pakula Bomas.

The raids have reportedly led to destruction, displacement, and heightened fear among local communities.

Emmanuel Taban Seme, Commissioner of Yei River County, addressed the issue during a press conference on Monday afternoon.

He stated that for the past five days, authorities have received continuous reports of cattle raids across multiple locations. According to the commissioner, the county government has already taken measures to pursue the armed herders and restore calm.

“The truth is that for the last five days, we have been disturbed by cattle raiders starting from cows, goats and sheep and they are roaming in several areas and every day we get information about their activities. As the county authority have taken some measures to pursue them and I want to urge the people to remain calm, and the county authority is concerned about your protection and the protection of your properties.”

Commissioner Seme emphasized that residents should not take the law into their own hands, assuring them that authorities will act on their behalf.

The commissioner confirmed that the presence of the armed cattle herders has created serious security threats in parts of the county. He revealed that two soldiers from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) lost their lives on Sunday while tracking down the armed herders.

To address the escalating situation, authorities have established a mobile force tasked with pursuing and holding the perpetrators accountable.

“It has caused destruction and displacement and for that reason we have formed a mobile force to pursue them and hold them accountable for what has happened. As we pursue them, I want to urge the public not to take the law into their hands because the county authority will act on your behalf.”

The commissioner warned that any herders who refuse to comply with government directives would be classified as anti-peace actors and forcefully removed from the county.

Lt Col. Michael Machar, SSPDF director for Military and Civil Relations in Central Equatoria State based in Yei River County, condemned the cattle raids and looting.

He stated that the military and the Yei River County government have coordinated efforts and agreed on steps to restore security and stability in the affected areas.