Morobo County Reassures Public on Stability Amid Security Concerns

(MOROBO COUNTY) -The Office of the Commissioner in Morobo County has moved to reassure residents and the wider public following reports circulating on social media regarding security in the area. County authorities emphasize that, while isolated incidents have occurred, the overall security situation remains relatively stable.

According to the Commissioner’s office, recent concerns largely stem from sporadic threats linked to activities by the NAS group, particularly involving forced recruitment. These incidents, which reportedly target young people through late-night abductions, have primarily been recorded in communities near the international border rather than deep inside Morobo territory.

Local authorities have highlighted reports from neighboring areas, including villages across the border in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In one such incident, 38 individuals were reportedly abducted from Gabu and Ulendere villages situated west of Morobo along the border. Similarly, Wudabi Payam authorities reported that NAS fighters entered Iwatoka and Awandu on Friday night, abducting 34 youths who were taken toward the DRC, although four reportedly managed to escape.

Another incident was reported in Lujule Payam at Awuru village on June 13, 2026, where two young men were allegedly abducted and taken across the border. While SSPDF forces made efforts to pursue the perpetrators, recovery operations have so far been unsuccessful, and the whereabouts of the abducted individuals remain unknown.

Despite these concerns, county leadership stresses that such incidents are not widespread and often occur in border regions where cross-border movement presents unique security challenges. Morobo County shares international boundaries, and authorities noted that events occurring in nearby foreign villages are sometimes mistakenly reported as taking place within Morobo itself.

In its statement on Sunday, the Office of the Commissioner also expressed concern over media coverage of the situation. Officials pointed out that some outlets published reports without seeking official verification and, in some cases, used unrelated images—such as a photo from Panyume Payam’s Kaya River—to illustrate incidents, potentially misleading the public.

The Commissioner’s office is urging all media organizations to uphold professional standards and ethical reporting practices by ensuring accuracy, relevance, and proper verification of information before publication. Responsible journalism, authorities say, is essential to preventing the spread of misinformation and maintaining public confidence.

Residents are encouraged to remain calm and rely on official communications for verified updates. The county leadership reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the community and working closely with security forces to address emerging threats along the border.