16 dead as suspected armed youth from Abyei, Unity State attack Warrap

JUBA, JANUARY 31^st 2023 (SUDANS POST) – At least sixteen people have been killed and eight others wounded after suspected armed cattle raiders from Abyei Administrative Area and Unity State attacked villages in Warrap state, government authorities there say.

Twic County Commissioner Mangok Kom says the deadly attack on Warayiu cattle camp in Warrap state took place on Friday morning and accused armed youth from Abyei and Unity State of standing behind the attack in which 600 cattle were stolen.

“Armed youth from Abyei who were backed by youth from Unity state attacked Warayiu cattle camp and raided over 900 cattle and when youth ran after them, the attackers ambushed them and killed 15 youth and one woman. They also injured eight youths who are now admitted to the MSF site in Mayen Abun and some will be flown to Wau today,” he is quoted by Radio Tamazuj as saying.

“Twic is exposed to militias some come from Bentiu, Ruweng Administrative Area, Abyei even those from Nuba Mountains, and our people have no choice they are killed even the yesterday’s incident caused displacement,” he added.

The state information minister in Kuajok confirmed the incident and said the government will have to investigate

“We don’t know who the attackers are but the area under attack is bordering both Abyei and Unity State. Investigations will be carried out and peace will prevail in both Twic and Abyei,” he said.

For his part, Alal County commissioner in Warrap State Kuol Chan denied involvement of Abyei youth in the raid.

“There is no information like that. None of our youths moved to Twic County even UN troops were in Kilo 130 waiting for their trucks which came from Wunrock yesterday. So, I don’t have any information like that,” he said.