August 19, 2016 (WAU) – Mayor of Wau town municipal council in South Sudan’s newly created Wau state, Akol Akol Ajith, said the security situation in Wau town has returned to normal following, owing it to the newly appointed governor, Andrea Mayar Acho.

SPLA forces patrol the street of Wau town on May 16, 2016 (ST)

He said the security organs operating in the town have been doing their level best throughout the night during their patrols.

“Since the incident of June 25, 2016, the town of Wau did not again witness any insecurity; the situation is normal but only what remains now is hunger, the remaining insecurity is now caused by thieves, those who are stealing at night,” said Ajith.

“Our civilians are now enjoying their night hours, if there is any gunshot at night, these are our night patrol dealing with the night robbers, therefore, our people should not panic,” he said.

The official further added that civilians who fled and were seeking shelter and protection at the United Nations compounds, in churches and schools have now started returning to their homes, indicating the security situation is stable.

“I want to tell our residents in Wau town that those who are at the UN and in the church are just going there during the day of receiving their food ration, nobody now [is] sleeping in these places; they are just going there to receive their food,” he said.

He further said that many of those who fled to UNMISS are people have lost their belongings and depend on the UN to provide them with basic necessities.

He also said the state government has done enough in protecting the civilians’ lives by offering strong security against robbers at the residential areas.

(ST)