Authorities in Warrap State have detained five chiefs from Tonj North County following an order by Governor Magok Magok to recover 300 stolen cattle from the Leer community.
The arrested chiefs including Paramount Chief Ayii Agiu Kuot, Executive Chiefs Deng Ayuel Madut, Deng Chol Mayen, Nyang Monyluek Mapiny, and Sub-Chief Akech Aleu Madut, were accused of failing to ensure the return of the stolen livestock.
Last week, suspected armed youth from Pagakdit raided the cattle, allegedly, in the presence of the chiefs, but despite the governor’s directive, the stolen livestock was not returned.
Speaking to the media on Monday, Maj. Ajal Bol Bol, head of criminal investigations in Warrap State, stated that the chiefs were apprehended after defying the governor’s explicit order.
“The armed youth, known as *Gelweng*, raided 300 cattle from the Leer community and divided them among themselves. The governor ordered that the cattle be returned, but the youth refused, taking them by force. As a result, the governor ordered the chiefs’ arrest,” Maj. Bol said.
According to Maj. Bol, the chiefs will be transferred to Kuajok per the governor’s instructions, after failing to persuade the youth to return the stolen cattle.
In an interview with Standard Zone News, the governor’s press secretary, Makor Mangok, emphasized that these orders were part of broader measures aimed at tackling ongoing conflicts in Greater Tonj.
“The governor issued clear directives during his peace tour, empowering local authorities to carry out conflict resolution efforts. Their responsibility was to implement the orders and report back,” Mangok explained.
“I expect that sooner rather than later, the governor will receive updates on actions taken to stabilize the affected areas.”
Since South Sudan’s independence, Warrap State has experienced recurring unrest, with cattle raiding, revenge killings, and hate speech fueling violence in Greater Tonj.
During his peace tour, Governor Magok Magok outlined specific steps to restore order, including directives to hand over individuals accused of theft, return stolen cattle and property, and hold inciters of violence accountable.
“The chiefs were instructed to surrender suspects linked to theft, murder, and cattle raids to authorities for due legal process. Stolen cattle and property must be returned to rightful owners, while those instigating violence are to be identified and arrested,” read the governor’s orders from his peace tour in Greater Tonj.
