Map of Jonglei State and Pibor Aministrative Area. (Courtesy)

Authorities in Jonglei State say they have recovered more than 120 cattle allegedly stolen by youths from the Pibor Administrative Area, but officials in Pibor have denied any involvement in the incident.

The Bor County Commissioner, Samuel Ateny Pech, said the cattle were stolen two days ago from Makauch Payam within Bor Town. He said the recovery took place around 1 PM yesterday, noting that one of the animals had been killed by the thieves.

“Two days ago, individuals from Pibor Administrative Area stole cattle in Makauch Payam within Bor town, Tibet area. This was not a raid, as no gunfire exchange occurred; it was a theft. A total of 121 cattle was stolen, but we recovered 120 of them yesterday around 1 PM.

The thieves killed one cattle and ate it. I have not communicated with the authorities in Pibor Administrative Area since there were no casualties and we successfully recovered our cattle,” Ateny said.

However, Greater Pibor Administrative Area Information Minister, Jacob Werchum, dismissed the claims, calling them unverified and unsupported by evidence.

“We have not received any contact from the Jonglei government to confirm this information. We consider this to be a makeup story and not an official report.

‘There are no ongoing conflicts involving youth from either side, and no one has been wounded. The incident is said to have occurred within Bor town, but it is unlikely that youth from Greater Pibor would raid cattle in the state capital. These stories appear to be untrue,” Werchum said.