Juba County arrests five in Luri illegal land demarcation crackdown

JUBA – Authorities in Juba County inSouth Sudan’s Central Equatoria State say they have arrested five people in Dijori Boma of Luri Payam as part of a renewed crackdown on illegal road construction and unlawful land demarcation.

The arrests were carried out on Monday following complaints from residents who reported unauthorised road openings and the subdivision and allocation of land in violation of existing government directives on land management.

According to a statement from the Commissioner’s Press Unit, the Commissioner of Juba County, Emmanuel Tete Ezbon, swiftly responded to what were described as credible community reports. Accompanied by security personnel, he visited the site to assess the situation and enforce the law.

“The Commissioner acted immediately after receiving credible reports from the community. This kind of illegal demarcation and road opening is unacceptable and will not be allowed to continue,” the statement said.

County authorities stressed that the individuals arrested were allegedly involved in activities that contravene a standing ministerial order regulating land planning and allocation.

Commissioner Ezbon warned that the county administration would not tolerate any attempts to grab public land or alter urban planning structures without proper authorisation.

“We want to make it very clear that public land is not for personal business. Those who think they can grab land or open roads without approval are mistaken,” the statement added.

The operation forms part of the implementation of a ministerial order issued by the Central Equatoria State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities. The order bans all new land planning and plot demarcation in six counties, including areas under the Wonduruba Administrative Payam.

Officials say the enforcement campaign will continue across Juba County to safeguard public land and promote orderly urban development.

“Our mandate is to protect public land, uphold the rule of law, and ensure orderly urban development. Juba County will not compromise on this responsibility,” the statement emphasised.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any illegal land activities, assuring the public of their commitment to transparent and lawful land administration.