Cattle in Warrap State| courtesy

Warrap State government has retrieved about 300 of stolen cattle and returned them to their owners while directing the recovery of more than 400 stolen cattle raided from three villages in July 2023.

The herds totaling around 700 were raided from Patim, Ayang Akat and Wunlit villages.

State information minister William Wol Mayom said nearly half of the animals have been returned to the rightful owners in an occasion at the state capital on Saturday.

Mayom said out of the recovered cattle, 76 cattle were handed to their rightful owners in Kanon-Ayei while the other 221 to Apuk Padoj and Lou-Paher communities.

He said the exchange of raided cattle was part of the state government’s efforts to reconcile neighboring communities and restore lasting peace.

Governor Manhiem Bol Malek further formed a committee and directed it search for the remaining cattle in the hands of raiders, Mayom said.

He added that the state government also plans to establish especial court to deal crimes that were occurred during cattle rustlings.

“The governor has directed the committee to continue collecting the remaining cattle, and also promises to establish especial court that will try the case of those who have been killed in the incidents,” the official said.

“The court will also administer compensation over the people killed, so he (Manhiem) requests the community to remain patient and let work for peaceful co-existing between the two community.”