BOR – Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Reath has confirmed that local youth have recovered 44 head of cattle and rescued a woman who was abducted during a weekend raid in the area.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Commissioner Chatim said the incident occurred on Friday last week when armed raiders attacked Padiet village in Duk County. The attackers made away with dozens of cattle and abducted a woman and a child during the assault.
“In a swift and coordinated response, our youth mobilised immediately and pursued the attackers,” Chatim said. “Through their courage and determination, they managed to recover all the stolen cattle and safely rescue the abducted woman.”
He commended the youths’ bravery and the community’s solidarity, noting that their joint efforts helped prevent further escalation of violence. “We appreciate their courage and the cooperation of the community in ensuring that the situation was handled peacefully,” he added.
However, the commissioner expressed concern that the abducted child remains in the hands of the raiders. “The woman and all the cattle were brought back safely yesterday, but unfortunately, the child is still with the abductors,” he said.
“Two young men were injured during the pursuit and are receiving medical treatment. The situation has since returned to normal,” he added.
Cattle raiding remains one of the most persistent security challenges in Jonglei State, frequently leading to the loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of families. The practice, often linked to long-standing rivalries among pastoral communities, continues to undermine peacebuilding efforts in the region.
In recent months, the state government, in partnership with peacebuilding organisations, has intensified local peace dialogues and strengthened community coordination mechanisms aimed at ending cycles of revenge attacks.
Commissioner Chatim urged residents to continue supporting peaceful approaches to conflict resolution and to work closely with law enforcement and traditional leaders. “Sustainable peace can only be achieved if our communities reject violence and embrace dialogue,” he said.
