9 killed, 7 women, children kidnapped in Pibor attack

BOR — At least nine people have been killed and seven children abducted, and 1,200 cattle were raided on Sunday during a cattle raid in Gumuruk County of South Sudan’s Greater Pibor Administrative Area, an official said.

Ngachuno Ngachagoi Lanyanga, acting commissioner of Gumuruk County, told Sudans Post on Tuesday that the attack was carried out by suspected armed youth from Jonglei State on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

“The recent assault, which took place in the Manyabol payam (Ngarok) area, has shaken the foundation of humanity and stands as a reminder of the brutality and anti-peace elements that continue to plague our country backward,” Ngachagoi said.

Ngachagoi stated that the attack occurred in the Ngorok area of Manyabol Payam in Gumuruk County, leaving seven people abducted, including women and children.

He described the incident as a ‘heinous and barbaric attack’ that has shaken the foundation of humanity in the area.

“The attack resulted in the deaths of nine people. Additionally, seven women and children were abducted, and 1,200 head of cattle were raided. An unspecified number of people also sustained injuries.”

Ngachagoi called for intervention from both the state and national governments to restore stability in the area.

“We call upon the government of Jonglei State to swiftly investigate this cowardly attack and bring the perpetrators to justice,” he said.

He called on the national government to redouble their efforts to address the root cause of violence and conflicts that have gone on for a number of decades.

The caretaker commissioner expressed dismay over the apparent collapse of a recent peace accord, questioning the commitment of their neighbors to coexistence.

He further urged the community to “remain calm and avoid revenge” while calling on the government to bring those culprits to justice.

This attack represents a continuation of inter-communal violence that has long plagued the region, often involving cattle raiding and retaliatory attacks between different ethnic groups.

Attempts to reach Jonglei state authorities for comment were unsuccessful.