Eastern Equatoria state government has appealed to the communities of Kapoeta North County not to retaliate against those responsible for the deadly onslaught on Lokoromai cattle camp two weeks ago.
Governor Louis Lobong advised against revenge attacks.
Two weeks ago, at least 60 people were killed and 55 others were wounded when armed cattle raiders believed to be from Budi County and neighboring Pibor Administrative Area attacked Najje and Chumakori Payams. They also stole some herds of cattle.
While visiting the area over the weekend, Governor Lobong told the communities of Machi and Riwoto not to retaliate.
“You should remain calm. Let no one go on revenge attack because of anger. Be patient and let the government work hard to intervene on the matter,” he stated.
Lobong used the occasion to also call on members of the Toposa community to promote peace with their neighbours. He asked local leaders to be agents of peaceful coexistence among their communities.
A community leader, however, asked the state government to trace, apprehend and hold the perpetrators accountable.
On Friday, the Kelangboor communities of Tennet, Murle, Didinga, and Laarim condemned the deadly attack.
In a joint press state issued in Juba, the Kelangboor community leaders castigated the criminals and called for their arrest.
“The communities of Tennet, Murle, Didinga, and Laarim condemn in strongest terms the act committed by the suspected raiders and criminals from the above mentioned communities. We therefore, call upon the authorities from the two sisterly states of (EES and GPAA) to investigate the issue and bring the perpetrators to book as per the laws of South Sudan.”