BOR – At least 27 people were killed, and dozens wounded in a cattle raiding incident on Thursday afternoon in Duk County, Jonglei State.
The attack involved a suspected group of armed youth, believed to be from the Murle community, targeting a cattle camp in Poktap payam.
“The attackers targeted herdsmen grazing their cattle near Botangui, located between Poktap and Duk Payuel, around 3:00PM yesterday,” confirmed Philiip Thon Leek, an area Member of Parliament for Duk County.
Leek further stated that the criminals inflicted significant damage and stole a large number of cattle.
Details remain unclear, but reports suggest the number of fatalities has risen to 22, with 18 individuals suffering gunshot wounds.
The wounded have been airlifted to Juba Military Hospital for treatment.
Leek also reported separate attacks in Panarou, west of Duk Padiet, where further cattle theft occurred.
He expressed frustration with the situation, stating, “At the same time as the attack in Poktap, they also raided Panarou. Our youth pursued them, but their phones are out of reach.”
When questioned about parliamentary efforts towards addressing the ongoing tensions, Leek deflected, suggesting the responsibility lies with the executive branch.
“The government we see now is no longer the three arms it used to be. The executive controls everything. If you want answers, ask them,” he asserted.
Both Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) officials acknowledged the incident.
Elizabeth Nyadak Jock, Jonglei State Information Minister, confirmed the attack by an armed Murle group and the theft of over 7,000 cattle. She urged the national government to deploy unified forces along the Jonglei-GPAA border to ensure peace.
GPAA information minister Abraham Kelang Jiji confirmed receiving notification from Jonglei officials and assured that authorities are working to apprehend the perpetrators.
He condemned the attackers as “enemies of peace” between the two neighboring states
