By Alan Clement
At least 70 people were killed and more than 80 others injured in a violent raid on Baliet County in Upper Nile State.
According to State’s information Minister, armed groups allegedly linked to the rebel group and White Army stormed the area in the early hours of Friday, November 14, before fleeing with hundreds of cattle.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this outlet, Upper Nile State Information Minister Peter Ngwojo Akwiny condemned the attack, describing it as “a massacre of innocent civilians, mostly women and children.”
The people who died are like 75, estimated at 75. And the major injury is also like 80 injuries mostly children and women, ” said the Minister
He accused the people in Ulang and Nasir counties to be behind the raid of Duong.
“They mobilized in thousands, coming from Ulang and Nasir, and raided Duong. They killed civilians, looted cattle, and left destruction behind. This was not revenge, as they claim, but part of the violent activities they have carried out repeatedly,” Ngwojo said.
He confirmed that medical teams have been dispatched to treat the wounded, while the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) moved in to secure the area.
“Medical teams have been deployed to treat the wounded, but the scale of injuries over 80 people, mostly women and children require sustained assistance from both government and humanitarian partners,” he emphasized.
“The SSPDF is now controlling the situation, and the deputy governor together with the security advisor visited the site on Saturday to assess the humanitarian needs,” Ngwojo added.
The attack, which began around 4 A.M CAT, lasted only a few hours but left widespread devastation. The information minister stressed that the Adong attack was not only a security incident but a humanitarian emergency that has left communities devastated and vulnerable.
“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation. Families have lost loved ones and livelihoods, and survivors are in urgent need of medical care, food, and protection.”
When contacted for comment, SSPDF Spokesperson Maj. Gen. Lul Ruai Koang distanced the national army from direct involvement in the incident.
“No, I’m not aware of the involvement of our forces. What I heard or read on social media was that the area was attacked by armed groups and a lot of civilians were killed. State authorities are in a better position to tell you more,” Ruai said.
“We normally don’t comment when there are armed confrontations between civilians. But when our forces are involved, that’s when we give details. Yes, we are in Adong, but our position was not attacked,” added the SSPDF spokesperson.
Cattle raids and intercommunal violence have long plagued Upper Nile and Jonglei regions, often escalating into deadly confrontations.
Armed youth groups, sometimes mobilized across county lines, have carried out large-scale raids under the pretext of revenge, but authorities say such attacks are increasingly indiscriminate and destabilizing.
The Adong massacre comes amid fragile peace efforts in South Sudan, where cycles of violence continue to undermine security and humanitarian stability.
According to humanitarian agencies, the loss of cattle a primary source of livelihood combined with mass displacement and injuries, threatens food security and deepens community vulnerability.
Minister Ngwojo stressed that the government is prioritizing humanitarian assistance and security reinforcement in the affected area.
“Our people must know that the government is working to protect them. We urge communities to remain calm and cooperate with authorities as we pursue those responsible,” he said.