Some of the women and children abducted by Jonglei armed youth from Pibor Administrative Area were returned to Pibor on Wednesday 11th January 2023 - Credit: Jonglei State Government

Conflicting data on abductees released by authorities in Jonglei and Pibor administrative areas show that over 2,000 children and women were abducted in the last six months.

In a statement dated 17th January 2023, the Chief Administrative Areas of Pibor, Lokoli Amer Bullen stated that 1, 810 children and women have been abducted.

He also says 867, 583 herds of cattle were raided in what he described as a coordinated attack.

Bullen blamed armed youth from the neighboring areas for mass displacement.

He, however, commended the Jonglei State governor for the recovery and handing over of 88 abductees to his area.

For his part, Jonglei minister of information John Samuel Manyuon told Eye Radio that the number of those abducted was lower than the figure given by Pibor Administrative areas.

He says, according to information they have gathered from Akobo, Nyirol, and Uror Counties in Jonglei state, the number of those abducted from Pibor is over 300.

“We are currently gathering information from Akobo, Nyirol, and Uror Counties. The local authorities in those areas are saying the number of abductees from Pibor as from July last year to 9th January 2023 is more than 300,” said Samuel.

Minister Samuel also says the greater Jonglie has recorded abduction of over 40 children and women by armed youth from Pibor in the last six months.

He, however, pointed out that he couldn’t tell how many might have been abducted by armed youth from Pochalla County and neighboring Gambella region of Ethiopia.

Eye Radio could not independently verify the number of those abducted.

The Chief Administrator of Pibor is appealing to humanitarian organizations and the donor community to step up humanitarian support to the affected civilians.

He says the civilians are in dire situations as they are lacking basic needs.

Meanwhile, the Jonglei State government says it is continuing its efforts to recover abductees.

In a similar statement on Tuesday, the state Information Minister said the government has identified several locations of more abductees and was negotiating with the captors to hand them to the leadership.

However, he has warned of renewed escalations and called on the UN peacekeepers, peace partners, and counterparts in the greater Pibor area for intervention.