Nineteen youths were abducted on Wednesday from Modu Boma in Copera Payam, Lainya County, by suspected holdout groups primarily believed to be members of the SPLM-IO.
The incident was highlighted during the weekly cabinet meeting of the Central Equatoria State Council of Ministers, chaired by Governor Rabi Mujung Emmanuel and held on Thursday.
The meeting addressed growing concerns over insecurity across the state.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Acting Minister of Information and Communication Jacob Aligo Lo-Ladu confirmed the abduction and raised alarm over a series of security-related issues in the region.
“The most serious concern is the increase in land grabbing activities in Juba County,” Aligo said.
“Three areas—Lokilili, Durupi, and Gaburi—have been identified where such illegal practices are taking place.
These involve not only private individuals but also some government officials and members of other armed groups.
Minister Aligo urged the committee established by President Salva Kiir Mayardit in 2021 to urgently intervene and put an end to the rampant land grabbing.
The State Minister of Lands, Housing, and Public Utilities has been directed to provide a detailed briefing to the Council of Ministers regarding the ongoing land encroachments in Juba County.
Meanwhile, the Council also discussed and approved with amendments a draft bill on
tourism and hotel management for the year 2025.
The bill was presented by the State Minister of Animal Resources, Fisheries, and Tourism, aiming to boost tourism development and regulation in the state.
