A group of cattle keepers blocked roads and attacked motorists and passengers in Maridi over the weekend, Western Equatoria State government has said.

The incident occurred on Saturday around Bhar el naam on the road to Mambe Payam. The cause of the attack is not clear.

However, the Governor of Western Equatoria State, Joseph Bakosoro, says the attack is seen as a response to the president’s order, instructing cattle keepers from other regions to relocate their livestock from the Equatoria region.

“I am very sorry that, as we were discussing, some cattle owners between Maridi and Mambe blocked the road and looted valuables, destroyed properties and beat citizens until the army had to intervene,” the governor confirmed.

The Office of the President says moving the cattle out of the region would reduce destruction of farmlands.

The cattle keepers were not reachable for comment.