Security Forces Tasked to Hunt Perpetrators of Child Abductions in Lokiliri Payam

By Kidega Livingstone
The government of Central Equatoria State has directed security agencies to track down and
arrest the perpetrators behind the recent abduction of six children at Aru Junction in Lokiliri
Payam, Juba County.
The directive was issued by Governor Lt. Gen. Rabi Mujung Emmanuel during an ordinary
security meeting held at Kator Block, Juba City Council.
According to a press statement from the Governor’s Office on Wednesday, the State Minister of
Local Government and Law Enforcement Agencies, Leon Abe Brown, confirmed that security
forces are actively pursuing the abductors, who remain at large with four children.
“Two of the six children were recovered on the same day,” Abe told journalists, adding that
“efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining four and bring the culprits to justice.”
He said the Ministries of Information and Communication, Peace Building, and Gender, Child
and Social Welfare have been tasked to lead awareness campaigns against child abductions and
related crimes.
Abe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending child abduction, drug abuse, and
other criminal activities, urging the public to cooperate with security forces in protecting
communities.
Additionally, the Security Committee instructed the Juba County Commissioner and the Mayor
of Juba City Council to reorganize congested market structures to enhance safety, improve
emergency response, and promote urban order.
Governor Mujung also directed security organs to heighten vigilance and strengthen
community surveillance to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The meeting further discussed the increasing abuse of illicit alcohol and drugs, especially among
the youth — a trend linked to rising cases of suicide and violence. The Security Committee
resolved to launch operations against the sale of illicit substances and intensify public
awareness on their dangers.