Warrap MP urges government to protect residents after disarmament exercise
By Correspondent
Mr. Nyol Atem Luk, a member of the Warrap State Assembly representing Wonrok Payam in Twic County, has called on the state government to protect residents and their properties after the disarmament exercise.
The appeal came during a visit by Warrap State Governor, Ambassador Paul Wek Agoth, to Twic County, where he oversaw the dissemination of peace messages and the voluntary surrender of weapons to the disarmament team.
Hon. Atem warned that some armed criminals may hide in the bush carrying concealed weapons, posing a threat to residents at night, raiding cattle, and carrying out random attacks.
“Disarmament is all right, but what about the incidents that happen at night? The cattle camp is always out in the fields, but the army cannot go there to protect the cattle at night. The army cannot disperse. So, outline a concrete agenda on how to undertake the duty for the people of Twic,” Atem said. In response, Governor Wek emphasized that protecting civilians is his government’s responsibility.
He confirmed that the army’s 11th Division will deploy soldiers to villages suspected of being targeted by criminals to restore security.
Wek added, “If anything happens after civilians surrender weapons or someone loots their property, we are in a state of emergency. Enforcing the order could lead to casualties, whether within the community or elsewhere. Every weapon must be surrendered, and if anyone wants a weapon, they can be trained and enlisted in the army as a soldier.”
“If anyone resists, Juma Rehan, the commander of the 11th Division said they must face the consequences since they have been told to surrender their weapons,” he explained.
The governor’s assurances are aimed at maintaining peace and security in Twic County as the disarmament process continues.
In July, renewed fighting in Twic East County, Jonglei State, left one person dead and another wounded, recording the latest incident in intercommunal violence.
Earlier, in June, President Salva Kiir declared a state of emergency in Warrap State and Mayom County of Unity State to mitigate the insecurity.
