RUMBEK—Authorities in Rumbek Central County have recovered and returned 30 animals looted during the deadly October communal clashes that left dozens dead and displaced hundreds of families.
The animals were looted during clashes between armed youth from Nyangkot community of Rumbek Central County and members of the Gak of Pakam community in Rumbek North County.
Caretaker Rumbek Central County Commissioner Manyiel Riak Manyiel said the recovery followed a government directive to return any stolen property to their owners.
“Whoever was robbed of his property in his house, including cows and goats, must be recovered and returned to the rightful owners,” he said.
He said 28 goats stolen by youth from Jiir Payam have been recovered and returned to owners, most of whom are women. He warned that anyone found possessing stolen property would face investigation.
Manyiel also urged displaced women and members of the Pakam community to return to their homes, assuring them that the youth involved in the attack have returned to cattle camps.
However, he warned that anyone continuing to loot property in Madol Akoch residential area would be treated as a criminal and held accountable.
Laat Chol, one of the affected residents, confirmed that she has received 10 of her goats that have been recovered by government security forces.
“We appreciate the government for recovering our goats. This is very important for us, and we are happy about it,” she said, adding that two goats were still missing.
One of the attackers who chose to remain unanimous for fear of reprisal admitted keeping 14 looted goats. The man said he had taken the animals in anger after people he described as his maternal uncles were killed during the attack.
The man said he has returned the goats following the commissioner’s intervention and urged the Pakam community to return any cattle or goats taken during the violence.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Athiei Macho, a resident of Rumbek town welcomed the recovery, saying the attack has affected women and other residents across the town.
She said all her goats had been recovered and called for peaceful coexistence among the communities.
“Rumbek belongs to everyone. It doesn’t belong to a particular community,” she said.
The violence on October 8–9 began with clashes between factions of the Pakam community in Nyangkot village before spreading to Rumbek Town, where residents were attacked and property looted.
Authorities have since deployed security forces to prevent further violence.
