Authorities in South Sudan’s Warrap State say eight people were killed and nine others were injured during a cattle raid in Tonj North County on Friday and Saturday.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Malek Agai Jel, an MP representing constituency No. 22 of Alabek Payam in Tonj North County said armed youth allegedly from Kirik Payam raided cattle from Awul Payam on Frida night leading to the clash that cost lives from both sides.
“On 26th, Friday at 2:00 am in a distance of three kilometers from Tonj town, armed youth who were identified as thieves attacked Mareng cattle camp and killed two people on spot from cattle youth. The following morning on 27th the cattle owners followed them and fighting took place where five people died from the youth and one person was injured from cattle youth to make the number of dead to be seven,” he said.
Kuol Akoon Kuol, Tonj North commissioner said the attackers were pursued and dispersed in the bush.
“The attackers shot one person dead as he was sleeping in Mareng cattle camp and cattle youth followed them where the fight with gangs at the same Mareng Noi and return cattle,” Akoon said. “Six people were killed from attackers and eight people were injured while cattle youth lost two people and one sustained bullet wounds.”
Those injured were taken to the Thiet Primary Health Care Centre for further treatment, he revealed.
Warrap state government spokesperson Ring Deng Ading also confirmed the fighting between the youth of Tonj North county.
He said all the cattle raided were recovered and the government has launched an investigation into the incident, saying that the armed youth involved in the raid will be brought to book.
Source: Radio Tamazuj