By Matik Kueth
The Central Equatoria State Cabinet has directed security forces to step up vigilance and surveillance to recover abducted children and clamp down on gang activities threatening public safety across the state.
The directive came during the State Council of Ministers meeting on Thursday, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel at the State Secretariat.
Mujung emphasized that all state institutions must stay focused on their mandates to ensure effective service delivery and called on ministers to work collectively in addressing the pressing challenges facing communities.
Nyarsuk Patrick, State Minister of Information and Communication, noted that the cabinet received a security briefing from the Minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, who described the overall situation as stable, with “minor and isolated cases under control.”
However, child abduction and gang-related activities remain a significant concern.
Last week, six children were reportedly kidnapped at Aru Junction in Lokiliri Payam.
Security forces have successfully rescued two of the children and are working to reunite them with their families, while efforts continue to locate the remaining four.
Mujung urged security agencies to maintain high alertness and strengthen coordination with local communities to prevent further incidents.
“The safety of our children and citizens is non-negotiable. We will not allow criminals to terrorize our neighborhoods,” he said.
The cabinet’s decision signals a renewed push to address crime and insecurity in Juba and other parts of Central Equatoria, as the authorities vowed to bring abductors and gang members to justice.