PANYIJIAR – At least 29 traders transporting cattle to Juba have been “arbitrarily detained” at Shambe port in Lakes State after their boats were seized by local security forces on September 13, Panyijiar commissioner’s office said.
Taban Machot Malual, the Press Secretary of Panyijiar commissioner, said the traders departed from Panyijiar to Bor town with 42 herd of cattle via the Nile, when upon arrival at Shambe port, they were “unlawfully” detained without the clear justification.
Machot said the arrest of the traders does not only leave families worried but disrupts legitimate business activities and violates the the rights to free movement in the Nile.
He added that Panyijiar Commissioner Gabriel Majok Bol is in contact with relevant authorities in Lakes State to urgently address the matters, ensure the safety and immediate release of the detained traders and prevent such occurrences in the future.
“We call upon the Public to remain calm and united as our leadership pursues peaceful resolution through dialogue with the concerned authorities,” Machot added.
Lakes State government is yet to make an official statement on the incident.
