Armed cattle keepers attack, displace over 2,000 in Magwi County

The administration of Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State, has said over 2,000 people have been displaced by cattle keepers from Agoro-Chomboro village.

According to sources on the ground, the incident happened on Wednesday evening when a group of armed cattle keepers ambushed a group of youth who were bathing at a water point and started shooting at them. A 16-year-old teenager identified as Obale was injured during the incident.  The sporadic shooting prompted the community to flee from the area to Magwi Town. Obale has been referred to Magwi Primary Healthcare for medical attention.

There has been an influx of animals in areas of Agoro, Amee, and Pageri of Magwi County that has created fear among the host communities.

Ocheng David Tokwaro, Magwi County Executive Director, confirmed that 2,810 IDPs have arrived in Magwi town as a result of the attack in Agoro-Chomboro.

“The total population of the IDPs is 2,810, and there are mainly women and children. The men decided to remain behind,” Ocheng said.

He said the IDPs are facing challenges with food and shelter, as some of them have been hosted by their friends and relatives.

Ocheng appealed to the people of Magwi town to show solidarity with the IDPs by sharing the little they have.

“Food and shelter are the major problems. Others are putting up with friends and relatives, but they are sharing food with the host community of Magwi now even the food is not enough,” he stressed.

 The RRC now is making some reports to send to Torit. My message is that these are their people, let them cooperate in times of hardships, let them show their solidarity,” Ocheng said.

Regina Achayo, Women Chairlady of Chomboro Boma, Agoro Payam of Magwi County, said the situation in the area has caused them much suffering.

She called for immediate humanitarian assistance in terms of food and shelter, among others.

“We are now in trouble. There is nothing we are getting because the situation is hard. We need intervention through food assistance to help the children and blankets,” Achayo said.

Last week, Governor Louis Lobong Lojore visited the cattle camps in Magwi and urged the host community to decide on the fate of cattle keepers in the area.