By William Madouk
Life is slowly returning to normal in Mirikiyo Boma, Rokon Payam, after a violent attack by cattle herders forced families to flee their homes in fear. The attack left one civilian shot and injured, four others beaten, two houses burned, and one woman sexually assaulted, according to local authorities.
The attackers also looted food items, household property, and an unknown number of goats. Panicked residents fled to Rokon Payam, leaving behind homes, food, and children’s belongings. Local officials say the violence started after four cows were arrested for destroying cassava farms in the area.
Following the incident, Juba County Commissioner Emmanuel Tete Ezbon led a high-level delegation, including security commanders and local leaders, to Mirikiyo to assess the damage and calm tensions.
“We came as a government to at least evaluate and see what really happened on the ground,” Commissioner Tete said. “Yes, houses were burned, food items and goats were looted, and some individuals’ goods.”
“So, we are here to bring peace back and to ask our communities to talk to our farmers not to run away, but to return so we can protect them,” he added.
He confirmed that security forces had regained control of the area.
“There is no death case. One person was injured, and there is a rape case. Two houses were burned, but we thank the commander of the area for maintaining the security,” he said.
Commissioner Tete warned residents not to take the law into their own hands and strongly condemned the actions of the cattle herders.
“We condemn the cattle herders; what they did is not good. We have farmers and cattle keepers, but cows must not destroy people’s farms. The law is clear—if a cow destroys crops, it will be confiscated and the owner must compensate the farmer or face prison,” he said.
He stressed that civilians should not carry weapons, saying security remains the responsibility of the government.
State lawmaker Joyce Hadia Lino, who represents the area, described the situation as heartbreaking.
“They looted everything, including goats; we felt very sorry. Children are now suffering because families fled and left everything behind,” she said. “We are brothers. We should not harm one another. I strongly condemn what happened.”
Authorities say security patrols will continue in Mirikiyo as the government works to restore confidence and encourage displaced families to return home peacefully.