IKOTOS COUNTY, EES
Two people, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed during a violent cattle raid in Lotome Payam of Ikotos County, Eastern Equatoria State, local authorities have confirmed.The attack, which occurred on Monday, resulted in the theft of more than 200 head of cattle. Authorities suspect the raiders originated from neighboring Budi County.
Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, Peter Lokeng Lotone, said preliminary investigations indicate the incident was a retaliatory attack linked to previous clashes that took place in Budi County two weeks ago and claimed several lives.
According to Lokeng, the state government has been monitoring tensions between the affected communities and has been actively pursuing reconciliation efforts to prevent further violence.“This latest cattle raid appears to be part of an ongoing cycle of revenge attacks. The government has been working to promote dialogue and peaceful coexistence among the communities involved, as continued retaliation only undermines efforts to build lasting peace and development,” he said.
The minister noted that authorities recently intervened in similar conflicts in Bira and Lotuke, where youth from rival communities were encouraged to resolve disputes through peaceful means rather than violence.
Meanwhile, Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network Secretary-General Juma Tikol warned that delays in government intervention could further fuel the cycle of revenge attacks.“The recent killings in Ikotos seem to have triggered this latest retaliation. Immediate action is needed to bring the affected communities together and establish a sustainable solution to the conflict,” Tikol said.
He urged the commissioners of both Budi and Ikotos counties to work closely with community leaders and stakeholders to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions.Tikol further observed that many of those involved in the recurring attacks are young people from the two communities and appealed to them to reject violence and embrace peaceful conflict resolution.
He also called on the government to strengthen peacebuilding efforts and take swift action to prevent the situation from escalating into a wider conflict.Local authorities have not yet announced any arrests in connection with the raid, and investigation
