Authorities in Yei River County in Central Equatoria State have issued directives to security personnel to prevent cattle keepers from entering the area.

County Commissioner, Cosmas Bidali says there has been an influx of cattle from Maridi County in Tore Payam in Yei.

The herders moved with their cows after they were ordered to leave Western Equatoria.

Mr. Bidali says preventing further entry of the pastoralists will avoid eruption of conflicts.

“It’s rainy season and farmers have crops in their farms and we are afraid that if these cows entered it would endanger the farmers and it will also be a source of conflict in the county,” he said.

There are more than 7,000 cattle that were recently moved from Maridi County in Western Equatoria State to Tore payam in Yei.

Most of the cattle came from Jonglei, Lakes and Warrap states. They seek greener pastures and security, according to officials.