JUBA, South Sudan– At least 72 people have been killed and 38 wounded in an attack on Akop Payam in Tonj North County, Warrap State, the state government said on Monday.
Warrap State caretaker Minister of Information William Wol Mayom Bol accused armed elements from Mayom County in neighbouring Unity State and sub-sections of Alabek Payam of involvement in the attack.
Bol said 50 of those killed were from the attackers’ side, while 22 were from the affected community. The figures and allegations could not be independently verified.
Authorities in Unity State and Mayom County could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegations.
“The State Government, under the leadership of Hon. Ustaz Angelo Ngot Mayar, the Caretaker Governor of Warrap State, strongly condemns recent recorded incident of a coordinated attack,” Bol said in a statement issued on Monday.
The government also reported cattle raiding at Majak-kou cattle camp, the burning of the Athieng-puol and Rual-malith markets, and the destruction of homes in several villages in Akop Payam.
Bol linked the violence to a cycle of killings and revenge attacks involving communities in the area. He said a separate targeted killing in Mading-Juer on October 24 claimed eight lives, including a girl.
The government said it had directed security forces to deploy to Akop Payam and arrange the transfer of wounded people for treatment.
“Warrap and Unity States are establishing communications to recover the raided cattle, identify the criminals involved and bring them to book,” Bol said.
The government urged residents to remain calm and exercise restraint. It also appealed to humanitarian partners and other well-wishers to assist affected women, children and elderly people who had been left without food, medicine and shelter.
