Mogiri cattle market attack: latest facts
Eight people were killed and eight wounded on 6 August after gunmen stormed Mogiri cattle market in Central Equatoria, shocking traders and residents.
Among the dead were six Murle cattle dealers and two soldiers who had escorted the convoy, according to local authorities.
Security forces widen search radius
Information Minister Jacob Werchum Juok said joint police-military teams are combing Mogiri, Mangala and remote bush tracks believed to hide the raiders.
He told reporters the operation aims to detain suspects alive, collect weapons and reconstruct the route used by the attackers.
Eyewitness clues and early arrests
Residents say the shooters emerged from tall grass south of the market and fled toward the Nile corridor, a zone hosting several seasonal cattle camps.
One Mogiri villager confirmed a relative was picked up for questioning on Sunday, yet authorities have not released any names, citing the sensitivity of the probe.
Calls for youth to reject revenge
Juok appealed to young people in Greater Pibor, Jonglei and Equatoria to keep trading, not fighting, arguing that stability drives the cattle economy underpinning local livelihoods.
War will never take us forward; we need reconciliation and productive work, he said, urging community elders to mediate before rumours spark reprisals.
Regional security implications
The Mogiri assault revives memories of past cattle-related raids that have strained relations between Greater Pibor and neighbouring states, prompting periodic road closures.
Analysts note that controlling small-arms circulation across the eastern corridor remains a priority for Juba’s security plan, especially after similar incidents in 2023 along the Bor-Juba highway.
Next steps in the investigation
Military spokespersons have yet to brief the press, but insiders expect a preliminary report once forensic teams match recovered shell casings with known weapon caches.
If arrests lead to court proceedings, prosecutors could test the reach of South Sudan’s recently strengthened anti-banditry laws and set a precedent for market-route security.
Community resilience amid uncertainty
Despite fear, Mogiri traders reopened on Monday, selling sorghum and goats under a modest police presence, signalling determination to safeguard commerce.
Women organised a small prayer vigil near the charred stalls, vowing that business should continue as peace efforts unfold.