Upper Nile governor Adhok addressing rally 20.03.2023 in Malakal town/photo credit, office of the governor.

Upper Nile state governor on Monday told a rally in Malakal town that Ayod spiritual leader accused of perpetrating last year’s violence in Panyikang County promised to release dozens of abductees.

James Odhok revealed this while addressing the state citizens at the State Stadium in Malakal town on Monday, according to the State Information Minister Luke Sadallah.

Minister Sadallah says the governor established contact with a spiritual leader known as Makuc for the release of abductees of the October 2022 violence in the area.

“He started conservation with a spiritual leader called Makuc and they have established contacts.”

According to the minister, Makuc promised to release 70 people including women and children who were abducted by the local White Army militias.

“One of the things he [Makuach] said was that they have gathered over 70 people [abductees] including women and children, so they have started collecting them to be sent back to the Shilluk people.”

The rally attended by thousands of people brought together different ethnicity including those residing in the Malakal Protection of Civilian Site.

Last month, some internally displaced persons at the Malakal protection of civilian site called on President Salva Kiir to restore lasting peace in Upper Nile State.

According to the IDPs, they were willing to return to their homes in Malakal town and the surrounding areas, but they were still afraid of the persistent security in the state.

During his welcoming event on Monday, Odhok said that security and stability is the top priority of his government.

“He was happy for the great welcome from all the citizens of the state, and begged them for unity in the State,”  stressing that “the real implementation of peace is done at the grassroots,”   Sadallah the governor.