PIBOR – Authorities in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have handed over five formerly abducted children to South Sudan’s Central Equatorial State.
The Deputy Chief Administrator for the Greater Pibor Administrator, John Joseph said the children were handed over to the Deputy State Governor, Sarah Nene.
On Saturday, the two leaders reiterated their administration’s commitment towards retrieving all the adducted children to their respective biological parents.
They further called for the continuous cooperation between the local authorities to curb the child abduction menace as predominately perpetrated by some negative elements from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.
“This incident highlights some of the ongoing challenges faced by South Sudan, particularly those related to tribal conflicts and child protection. The two sisterly state will demonstrate opportunities for cooperation between regional administrations and local governments working towards peace-building citizens,” said Joseph.
“Through collaboration and dialogue, there is potential for progress towards a safer and more secure environment for all citizens,” he added.
In South Sudan, the primary cause of child abduction in the ongoing conflict between various ethnic and political groups. Children are often targeted due to their vulnerability and the belief that they can be easily indoctrinated into these groups.
Poverty and lack of access to education contribute to the problem, as some families may resort to sending their children away to work or marry in exchange for financial support.