Akobo County Commissioner James Kueth Makuach said the first incident occurred on 8 August in Nyandit Payam, where an armed group allegedly wounded one man.
He said a second incident took place between 10 and 11 August in Akobo West, where seven children were abducted. According to the commissioner, all seven were later rescued after community members confronted the attackers.
“These incidents threaten the stability and safety of our communities,” Makuach said, calling on the Jonglei State and GPAA governments to take urgent measures to prevent further violence. He described the alleged attacks as deliberate attempts to destabilize the region and urged immediate intervention.
The commissioner’s remarks come amid longstanding tensions between communities in Jonglei State and the GPAA, which have seen cycles of cattle raids, abductions, and retaliatory violence over the years.
However, GPAA Minister of Information Jacob Werchum Jok said his administration had not received any official reports regarding incidents in Akobo County.
“There is no information we have received about Murle youth attacking parts of Akobo County. The authorities from Jonglei State have not informed us,” Werchum said.
“They should first investigate where the attackers came from before accusing Murle youth, until it is confirmed that they are from Greater Pibor,” he added.
Recently, the governments of Jonglei State and the GPAA organized a three-day peace dialogue to promote reconciliation and prevent cross-border violence. Both sides have previously pledged to cooperate in addressing security challenges and building trust among communities.
