The governor made the appeal during a peace rally on Sunday in Turalei Payam, Twic County, as part of his statewide peace mission. Addressing local chiefs and residents, Wek emphasized the urgent need for collective action to bring perpetrators to justice.
“It is imperative for all citizens of Warrap to work tirelessly to eliminate these acts of sabotage and criminality that continue to undermine development,” he said.
Wek appealed to traditional leaders to support disarmament efforts and assist in identifying suspects believed to be serial killers. “We have an independent state called South Sudan, and that is why you see us using the national flag and sirens. It is now time for chiefs to collaborate with administrators to apprehend criminals and identify those responsible for these atrocities,” he stressed.
The governor warned against clinging to destructive practices such as cattle rustling and revenge attacks, saying they only fuel underdevelopment. Instead, he urged citizens to emulate states that are prioritizing growth and stability.
“We are losing our image abroad and even in the eyes of our neighbors,” Wek said. “Let us abandon such dehumanizing behavior and resolve our differences peacefully, so we can restore our dignity and uphold the social values we are known for.”
He further pledged to instill peace among communities during his tenure, working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure respect for the rule of law.
Looking ahead, Wek announced plans to initiate a forum for county commissioners, modeled after a similar initiative in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. The platform, he explained, would bring local leaders together to devise strategies for restoring stability in Warrap.
However, critics argue that restoring calm in the state will be a daunting task, given the widespread circulation of firearms among civilians.
