The Governor of Central Equatoria State, Emmanuel Adil Anthony has vowed to forcefully evict cattle herders from Kajo Keji County in wake of the recent killing of 27 civilians.
“We have decided as the state government of Central Equatoria that we will stay here and if cattle herders want to kill or fight us, we will fight them here in Kajo Keji,” Adil said while addressing thousands of mourners at Kajo Keji freedom square on Monday.
The killings took place on February 2nd in Likamerok Village of Kajo Keji County on the eve of Pope Francis visit alongside the leaders of the Anglican church of England and the Presbyterian church of Scotland to the country.
The violence allegedly erupted after a group of gunmen shot dead several heads of cattle belonging to the Bor community.
Cattle herders responded with “a random killing spree of innocent civilians” according to local authorities.
Adil who temporarily relocated his entire government to Kajo keji County ordered the forces to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“The time for dialogue with cattle herders is over, I am tired of talking to them, the more we dialogue the more people get killed,” he said.
Adil said that President Salva Kiir Mayardit has directed him to forcefully evict cattle keepers from Kajo Keji County.
“President has directed me to forcefully drive out cattle from Kojo-Keji if they resist leaving and this incident has pain Vice President Wani Igga and he will come here tomorrow,” he said.
Phanuel Dumo, the Kajo Keji County Commissioner urged the governor to take action immediately.
“Take action today by ensuring that these cattle must leave Kojo-Keji County and entire Central Equatoria State immediately,” Phanuel said.
