7 killed by suspected Unity State raiders in Abyei

JUBA – At least 7 people including 3 children were killed, and several others were wounded during a cattle-related attack in Mading-Acueng and Agany-Acueng villages of the Abyei disputed area on Saturday.

The attack was allegedly carried out by armed youth from the neighboring Mayom County of Unity State, according to Abyei Interim Leadership Council (AILC).

“In a new escalation of their aggression on the Ngok of Abyei people, a heavily armed Twic youth attacked villages inside the boundaries of the Abyei Special Administrative Areas (ASAA) Saturday 25th June 2022,” said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.

It claimed that armed Twic youth crossed the River Kiir and attacked Mading Acueng and Agany-Acueng villages, killing seven people and burning down a number of huts.

“In these new attacks, armed Twic youth crossed the River Kiir and attacked Mading Acueng and Agany-Acueng villages. Seven (7) innocent civilians, including three children, were killed in cold blood inside their huts,” it said.

It said the attackers also looted properties, and many villagers were displaced from their homes.

“These attacks, yet again, show the intentions of the Twic community to undermine any hope for the cessation of hostilities and prospects for reconciliation and peaceful settlement of this conflict.”

The Abyei Interim Leadership Council (AILC) in Juba condemned the killing of innocent people in the strongest terms possible.

“We call upon the government and the High-Level Committee to prevail over the leadership of the Twice community to opt for a peaceful means,” it said.

“Stop the senseless loss of lives. Our sympathies are with the family of the innocent people who lost their precious lives in today’s attacks.”

There has been cycled of revenge attacks across the border of the two areas.

The two sides have been trading accusations against each other with each side blaming the other for the attack.