Maduany residents alarmed by surge in mysterious nighttime goat killings

AWEIL – Residents of Maduany Payam in Aweil Municipal Council are raising alarm over a growing wave of mysterious nighttime goat killings and thefts, urging the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State government to intervene as insecurity worsens.

According to Maduany Payam Administrator Garang Majok, the community has recorded over 56 goats killed or stolen between October and November. The animals are reportedly targeted at night, with unknown individuals entering homes and byres, slaughtering some goats and disappearing with others.

“We have a lot of reports of goats being killed by people we don’t know. The number keeps increasing, and many households here are losing goats to unknown suspects,” Majok told Sudans Post on Monday. He explained that even goats tied securely inside huts or shelters are being taken in ways that residents describe as “mysterious.”

Majok believes Maduany’s proximity to Aweil Town is making it more vulnerable to livestock-related crime. “Our closeness to the town is worsening the problem, and we don’t know what to do to stop this mysterious issue,” he said.

The situation has escalated to the point where even livestock belonging to the area’s police inspector has gone missing. “If the police inspector’s goats can be taken, what kind of insecurity are we dealing with?” Majok asked, expressing deep concern about the worsening trend.

Residents are appealing to the state and municipal authorities to deploy night patrols and strengthen community protection mechanisms, especially as the Christmas season approaches—a period often associated with increased thefts. Majok noted that nearby areas, including Maluil-Akong, are also affected.

“I urge all residents to stay vigilant. We live near major markets such as Maper, Akot, and Aru, and some boys steal goats at night and sell them there. Please work on capturing them,” he added.

Insecurity cases tend to rise during the festive season, and local authorities have faced criticism for failing to put in place preventive measures. It remains to be seen whether municipal officials will take decisive action to curb the growing menace before Christmas.

Efforts to reach Aweil Municipal Council authorities for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.