The denial follows claims published on Thursday by a little-known social media platform identified as Mazulum Media, which alleged that weapons and ammunition had been delivered to cattle camp youth in Yali Payam of Yirol East County.
According to the post seen by Sudans Post, a cattle camp leader in Yali Payam allegedly confirmed the arrival of weapons reportedly purchased and supplied by Athiei.
The report claimed that the armed youth of Ciec Manyiel had received 800 AK-47 rifles, 40 PKM machine guns, 20 RPG-7 launchers, 10 sophisticated machine guns and 60 boxes of assorted ammunition.
The report further alleged that the weapons arrived from Juba a day after armed youth from Panyijiar County in neighbouring Unity State reportedly raided cattle from Mukreel cattle camp in Yirol West County.
It also claimed that youth in Ciec Manyiel were gathering in Yali and Pagarau payams and preparing to launch retaliatory raids into Panyijiar County.
However, Nilepet categorically rejected the allegations in a statement issued on Friday, saying neither the corporation nor its leadership had any involvement in supplying weapons.
“The Corporation categorically distances itself and its leadership from the baseless claims alleging that Hon. Athiei supplied weapons to cattle camps in Lakes State, specifically within the Yirol area,” the company said.
Nilepet described the allegations as “entirely unfounded, absurd, and intentionally designed to tarnish the reputation of the Managing Director.”
The corporation emphasised that it is solely a commercial entity responsible for managing South Sudan’s oil and gas sector and has no role in security operations.
“NILEPET is exclusively a commercial enterprise tasked with the sustainable management and development of the nation’s oil and gas sector. It has no involvement, direct or indirect, in security or military logistics,” the statement said.
The company further defended Athiei’s reputation, saying his family has historically promoted peace and social cohesion.
“These allegations are entirely unfounded, absurd, and intentionally designed to tarnish the reputation of the Managing Director, whose family legacy is deeply rooted in promoting peace and community cohesion,” Nilepet added.
The allegations surfaced amid growing tensions between communities in Lakes and Unity states, where cattle raiding and revenge attacks have periodically fueled violence along shared borders.
Nilepet warned that unverified reports could inflame tensions and undermine relations between the two neighbouring states.
“The historical relationship between the sisterly states of Lakes and Unity is built on a long-standing foundation of harmonious coexistence and mutual respect. We will not allow irresponsible journalism to jeopardize these community bonds or undermine national stability,” the company said.
The corporation also urged those responsible for spreading the allegations to cease what it described as a defamatory campaign.
“We urge the media house and individuals responsible for fabricating and spreading these false claims to immediately cease their defamatory campaign and prioritise constructive journalism that fosters national peace.”
The claims regarding the alleged delivery of weapons and ammunition could not be independently verified, and no evidence has been publicly presented to support the allegations. Authorities in Lakes State and Unity State had not commented on the matter by press time.
Nilepet is South Sudan’s national oil company, mandated to oversee the exploration, production and management of the country’s petroleum resources.
