Arop
By Emmanuel .M.Garjiek
Over 10,000 people of Agoro and Ayii payams in Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, have abandoned their homes, claiming that Jonglei cattle herders are harassing them.
According to local officials, the fleeing population is growing, and cattle herders have distributed their animals into houses and farmland, damaging crops and residences.
According to sources, the cattle herders battered and abused residents, forcing them to flee their homes and crops.
Last Monday, the Jonglei cattle keepers promised to pay for the devastated farms, asking for discussions with the Acholi people over grazing territory and water sites in Magwi County. However, the Acholi refused and insisted that they return to their territory.
The Magwi community was concerned about the Jonglei has lost almost 10,000 livestock.
Romeo Okot, the head Chief of Agoro Payam, informed Radio Tamazuj that the 10,800 villagers evacuated their houses due to cow herder harassment.
He said that the presence of the Jonglei livestock keepers had caused considerable hardship among the host people.
Salva Ben Okeny, Magwi County Coordinator for the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, verified the flood of fleeing population in Magwi town and said an evaluation will be undertaken to determine their exact numbers.
He encouraged the fleeing masses to keep calm as the administration committed to convening an emergency meeting with partners for help.
Susan Iluhu, a resident of Nyolo in Agoro, claimed the increased number of cattle in the region has caused generated anxiety and terror, driving her to run.
She described how the herders were threatening, beating up people, and damaging farmland.
According to Agnes Abalo, the cattle herders have also accused the local community of stealing their livestock.
She called for the quick repatriation of cattle herders to their homelands, stating that farming and livestock rearing could not coexist.
Representatives for Jonglei herders could not be reached for comment right away.
Admin
