Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa. [Photo: Courtesy]YAMBIO – Western Equatoria State Governor Badagbu Daniel Rimbasa said Saturday that authorities have recovered at least 100 herds of cattle and arrested several suspects, including a ringleader linked to deadly cattle raids and violence in Greater Mundri that left at least 32 people dead.
Speaking after returning from Juba, Rimbasa described the arrest as a breakthrough in efforts to restore security in Greater Mundri, where recent attacks and cattle raids have triggered tensions between communities in Western Equatoria and neighbouring Central Equatoria State.
“The alleged ringleader responsible for the cattle raids has already been arrested in Juba,” the governor said. “We are also working to recover the stolen cattle, and so far, more than 100 head of cattle have been recovered. The three cattle stolen yesterday have also been recovered.”
The governor said the violence, which claimed 32 lives, required close cooperation between the governments of Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria because the conflict involved communities from both states.
“Greater Mundri is closer to Juba, and the insecurity there, which resulted in the killing of 32 of our people, required me to work closely with the Governor of Central Equatoria,” Rimbasa said. “This is not a problem that one state can solve alone because it involves communities from both Western and Central Equatoria.”
The attacks in Greater Mundri have raised concerns among residents over growing insecurity, cattle raiding, and intercommunal tensions. The violence also prompted criticism from some members of the public who questioned the state government’s response during the crisis.
Rimbasa defended his administration’s approach, saying efforts had been focused on dialogue and coordination rather than escalating tensions.
“When communities from different states conflict, a leader cannot go to war against another community. The solution is dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation between the two governments,” he said.
The governor also announced the arrest of several suspects allegedly involved in attacks and killings along the Juba–Mundri road, a major transport corridor connecting Western Equatoria to the national capital.
“I am happy to announce that several people responsible for insecurity and killings along the Juba–Mundri road have already been arrested, and we will ensure they face justice,” he said.
According to the governor, security operations and cooperation between state authorities are beginning to improve the security situation in Greater Mundri and along the Juba–Mundri road.
Rimbasa pledged to continue pursuing individuals involved in criminal activities across the state, saying no one would be spared regardless of where they operate.
“I will not leave anyone involved in criminal activities, whether in the counties or here in the state capital. I will make sure Western Equatoria State is peaceful,” he said.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to working with national institutions and neighbouring state governments to strengthen security, protect civilians, and achieve lasting peace in Western Equatoria State.
The arrests come as authorities intensify efforts to curb cattle-related violence and intercommunal conflicts that have contributed to insecurity in parts of Greater Mundri and along key transport routes linking Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states.
The Governor did not reveal the identities of the suspects and their origins by the time of publication, as investigations continue.
