Deadly cattle raid in Eastern Equatoria kills 12, wounds 13

JUBA – At least 12 people have been killed and 13 other injured when a group of armed criminals suspected to have come from neighboring Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) attacked a village in Kapoeta County of Eastern Equatoria state, Governor Lobong said.  ‘

Speaking to the media this afternoon, Governor Lobong who is at the state capital preparing for the celebration of the 11^th independence anniversary said that attack on Wednesday dawn and at least 15,000 cattle have been stolen by the suspected criminals.

“There are people who were killed in that attack and the number as I am getting from officials in Lafon and Budi counties are about 12 people. 13 people have been wounded by those attackers who happen to be known,” he said.

“Around 15,000 cattle have been stolen and the security forces have been given the orders to go after the criminals and return the cattle to their rightful owners because you cannot do away with other people’s source of food,” he added.

Separately, Kapoeta North County Commissioner Emmanuel Ephone said in an interview with Radio Tamazuj that the raid appears to be organised by the Murle, Tennet, and Buya tribes, but said only about ten people died as a result.

“This raid was jointly organized by the Tennet, Murle and the Buya and we have full evidence. A huge number of cattle have been taken belonging to the two payams, an estimate of 15,000. We lost 10 youths during the clash and we brought to the health facility 12 injured youths,” Lolimo said.

“For peace to prevail, we want these cattle to be returned to the owners and also, we want the Tennet community to desist collaborating with the Murle as well the Buya because if we react as a community it will not be good for them,” he warned.