An official in Kapoeta North County has condemned the recent abduction of three children by suspected criminals from the Pibor Administrative Area.
Four children were reportedly abducted but one managed to escape and returned home, the official said.
The abducted siblings have been identified as; Lonok Lokanyim, 7, Nabok Lokanyim, 5, and Lojore Lokanyim Lolepio, 3.
The kidnapping of the siblings happened in Kanyeunyekol in Wokobu Payam by men alleged to be from Pibor Administrative Area. This is because, the official said, the footprints of the suspected kidnappers pointed towards the boundary with Pibor – a claim Singaita FM has not independently verified.
Kapoeta North County Commissioner Emmanuel Lolimo Epone said the children were forcefully taken while chasing birds in the farm. Their mother had gone to fetch firewood in the bushes.
“On 18th of this months, 4 children were abducted…in the process one was able to escape…this situation is so ugly and is traumatizing the whole population. We condemn this act…this is not going to unite the community [Kapoeta and Pibor], it will not bring us together,” he stated.
Singaita FM was unable to get immediate reaction from authorities in Pibor Administrative Area.
Commissioner Lolimo said abduction is an act of human rights violations because it denies the children a chance to live and grow in their birth family. It is also a form of forceful separation – punishable by law.
He appealed for peaceful coexistence among communities of greater Kapoeta and Pibor Administrative Area.