By James Innocent
At least sixteen people have been killed in Lainya County following separate clashes involving armed cattle herders from Jonglei State and Central Equatoria State.
Speaking to the media, the Commissioner of Lainya County, Robert Lasu, reported that in the month of January, Lainya experienced a series of fights between cattle herders from Jonglei State and those from the Mundari community (CES).
He added the violence followed the arrival of large groups of cattle herders from the Bor community and the Mundari community, who are keeping their cattle in several parts of Lainya County, including the Wunduruba Administrative Area.
Lasu revealed that during the clashes people lost their lives.
“We have started the year peacefully without a lot of disturbance; however, on the date of the 5th of January 2026, there is a group of cattle keepers who came from the Wunduruba administrative payam, in particular our brothers from Terekeka. They came all the way to Lainya Payam in an area called Mille 55. They have taken some cattle from Dinka Bor, like 88 cattle, and then they kill one person from the Dinka Bor cattle herders, and then they go back, and thereafter also the group from Dinka Bor cattle herders mobilizes themselves, and then they also go to the Wunduruba administrative Payam and kill some people, like 15 in number, and then also they raid some of the cattle from there,” he explained.
According to the Commissioner, more than 88 cattle were raided during the clashes, which spread across Lokuruban in Lainya Payam, Mukaya Payam, and the Botoro area in Uji Payam.
He said civilians were caught in the crossfire as armed groups moved through farming communities.
“We have seen a massive movement of armed cattle keepers into Lainya County. They are currently positioned in the Lokuruban, Mukaya, and Botoro areas. When these groups raid cattle, it becomes very difficult, and civilians often fall victim to crossfire,” the Commissioner said.
The Commissioner added that the county authorities had initially experienced a relatively peaceful start to the year. However, the situation changed on January 5, when a group of cattle herders reportedly moved from Robat Administrative Payam to an area known as Mile 55, where one person was killed and dozens of cattle were taken.
He further stated that retaliatory attacks later followed, resulting in the deaths of 15 additional people, while some cattle were also lost by the attackers.
The county leadership said the continued presence of armed cattle herders is increasing tensions between herders and farmers and poses a serious security risk.
“The longer these groups stay within Lainya jurisdiction, the more security challenges we face. As a county government, we are working to mobilize resources to ensure the cattle herders are completely removed from the area,” the Commissioner added.
Authorities said they are coordinating with state and national security organs to restore calm and prevent further loss of life, as residents continue to call for urgent protection and lasting solutions to recurring cattle-related violence.