By Hou Akot Hou
At least two people were killed during a cattle raid that took place on Tuesday night in Bul-Yom Boma of Aweng Payam, Twic County, Warrap State.
According to the police inspector in Aweng Payam, Col. Riing Mayot Dhel, the attack occurred while residents were asleep. Armed cattle raiders stormed the cattle camp, killing a herder before driving away more than 30 head of cattle.
One of the suspected raiders was also killed as local youth attempted to recover the stolen animals.
“The raiders attacked the Bul-Yom cattle camp where the animals were being kept. They killed one herder and drove away the cattle. During the attempt to recover the animals, one of the raiders was also killed,” Col. Mayot said.
He said the stolen cattle were driven toward the swampy Toich area and had not been recovered by the time of reporting.
“The raiders escaped with the cattle, and they were seen moving towards the swampy area (Toich),” he said.
Col. Mayot urged local youth to strengthen security at cattle camps, noting that cattle theft has become increasingly frequent in the area.
“We continue to advise community members to remain vigilant and guard their cattle, especially at night, as these attacks continue to occur,” he said.
He attributed the recurring cattle raids to long-standing rivalries among communities living in the surrounding areas, where disputes over cattle ownership, grazing land, and revenge attacks remain unresolved.
The latest incident has renewed calls for stronger peacebuilding efforts to address the root causes of intercommunal violence.
Community members have also appealed to the government to establish permanent security bases in conflict-prone areas to deter cattle raiders and protect civilians.
The attack comes amid renewed violence in Warrap State. Earlier this week, clashes between the Apuk-Jurwiir communities of Yar and Atar-Weng sections in Tonj South County reportedly left houses burned and several people dead.
According to the Office of the Commissioner of Tonj South County, Gordon Makuer Tiau, at least 19 people were killed, 14 others were injured, and 11 households were burned to ashes during the violence in the Thony community.
The renewed fighting is reported to have been triggered by retaliatory attacks linked to earlier incidents between the rival communities.
The latest security incidents have raised concerns over the continued deterioration of peace and security in Greater Warrap despite the government’s efforts, including the state of emergency that has been in effect in the region.
Residents are calling for stronger measures to prevent further violence and protect communities from recurring attacks.