By Sabri Dibaco
At least 60 people have been killed and 50 others wounded in two separate cattle-related attacks in Tonj North County, Warrap State, according to state authorities.
The attacks reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, August 9, when suspected armed youth from neighbouring Unity State attacked the Ariec cattle camp in Tonj North and allegedly raided livestock.
Warrap State Information Minister William Wol Mayom Bol said the violence left 60 people dead, including 15 people he described as suspected perpetrators from Unity State.
“Both separate attacks resulted in the killing of 60 people: 37 from Pan-Ariik, 11 from Apuk Padoc, and 15 … criminals who orchestrated the attack targeting the Ariec cattle camp,” Wol said.
The minister said 50 people were also wounded in the clashes and are receiving medical treatment.
Seventeen of those injured have been transferred to Wau for specialised medical care, while the remaining 33 are being treated at the Athieng-Puol Primary Health Care Unit, according to Wol.
The Warrap State government condemned the violence, describing it as a “senseless” act that threatens ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in the area.
“Our hearts pour out to the families who lost loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time,” Wol said.
He said the governments of Warrap and Unity states were working to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
Wol added that the Warrap State government, under Governor Amb. Bol Wek Agoth, had ordered the immediate deployment of the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and other organised forces to the affected areas.
The deployment is intended to restore security, protect civilians, and prevent possible retaliatory attacks, he said.
“The Warrap State government condemns in the strongest possible terms the brutal attack perpetrated by armed … criminals in Ariec cattle camp in Tonj North County on August 9, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., resulting in the tragic loss of lives and the looting of property and an unspecified number of livestock,” Wol said.
Meanwhile, Mayom County Commissioner Bol Mayak said he was travelling to the scene to investigate.
“I am not ready to tell you anything now. But I am officially on the way to the scene of the incident to make an investigation, and I will be ready for an interview in the evening,” Mayak said.
He said he was traveling toward the border between Tonj North County and Mayom County.
According to Mayak, individuals suspected of involvement in the violence were still hiding near the border area at Maluil, between Unity State and Tonj North in Warrap State.
“I have talked with my counterpart commissioner of Tonj North County to communicate this information to the media houses,” he said.
Cattle-related violence remains a major source of insecurity in Warrap State and neighboring areas. Cattle are central to the livelihoods, wealth, and social status of many communities, making livestock a frequent source of disputes and conflict.
Disagreements over cattle raiding, grazing land, water points, and migration routes have repeatedly triggered clashes between armed youth from neighbouring communities. In some cases, cattle raids have been followed by retaliatory attacks, fueling cycles of violence.
The clashes have resulted in deaths, injuries, displacement, and livestock losses, while also disrupting farming activities and humanitarian operations.
Seasonal cattle migration between Warrap and neighbouring Unity State has further contributed to tensions, as herders and communities come into contact over grazing areas, water resources, and migration routes.
Authorities now face pressure to contain the situation, prevent retaliatory violence, and restore security in the affected areas.