Samuel Ateny Pech Ariik, Commissioner of Bor County. [Photo: Courtesy]
BOR – The Commissioner of Bor County, Samuel Ateny Pech Ariik, has officially cancelled a controversial ultimatum issued by the Bor Community Youth Association (BCYA) that called on members of the Bor community living in Twic East County to return to Bor before May 31 over unresolved allegations of looted property.
The cancellation order, issued Friday under County Order No. 016/2026, came a day after the BCYA circulated a reminder letter urging Bor residents in the Toch areas of Twic East County to leave immediately if allegedly stolen items were not returned within a seven-day deadline.
In its May 28 statement signed by Acting Chairperson Ayuem Garang Kur, the BCYA claimed that properties belonging to Bor residents had been robbed in areas including Payaar, Pagol, Piom-Yom and Wernyol. The association alleged that despite earlier demands made on May 24, no response or recovery of the stolen items had been made.
“This message is directed to all sons and daughters of Bor Community who are still in the Toch areas of Twic East to report themselves back to Bor immediately and before the stated deadline,” Ayen said.
The BCYA said the alleged stolen items included money, mobile phones and other personal belongings. It further urged community members to “leave whatever activities they are engaged in and comply with this call as a matter of urgency and safety.”
However, Bor County authorities swiftly intervened, warning that the statement risked fueling tensions between citizens of the neighbouring counties.
In the cancellation order dated May 29, Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech Ariik instructed the public to disregard both the original BCYA letter and the subsequent reminder circulating on social media.
“I hereby issue this order for the cancellation of the youth letter dated 24th May, 2026 and its reminder dated 28th May, 2026, circulating on social media to be disregarded and given no attention by both Twic East and Bor citizens,” said Pech.
The commissioner emphasised that residents of both counties should continue with their normal activities without fear.
“All the citizens of Bor living in Twic East County shall continue with their normal business activities as well as Twic East County’s citizens in Bor,” Said. Pech.
According to the county commissioner, the issue had already attracted the attention of Jonglei State Governor Dr. Riek Gai Kok, who reportedly dispatched a high-level delegation led by Deputy Governor Awol Gaijang Awol to assess the situation in Twic East County.
The delegation also included state ministers, the Bor County commissioner, the State Relief and Rehabilitation Commission chairperson and security officials.
Commissioner Ateny further cautioned the Bor Community Youth Association against issuing statements that could heighten communal tensions.
“Bor Community Youth Association is advised to cease writing any letter to avoid incitement among the citizens of the sisterly counties,” Pech warned.
The county administration assured residents that investigations into the alleged looting incidents were ongoing and pledged that any confirmed lost property would be recovered through lawful processes.
“The Government will bring back any lost property after investigations are made,” the commissioner stated.
The exchange of statements highlights growing concern over intercommunal relations between Bor and Twic East counties, both of which have historically maintained close social and economic ties despite periodic disputes linked to insecurity and cattle-related conflicts.
