S. Sudan army, civilians clash in Mayom after attempt to recover cattle raided from Warrap

JUBA – Clashes between soldiers and armed youth over disagreement to return stolen cattle to their rightful owners has left 9 dead and 3 wounded in Mayom County of South Sudan, State spokesman said on Tuesday.

Gabriel Hon Makuei, State Minister of Information in Unity State told Sudans Post that the incident happened yesterday between the commissioner of Mayom County in Unity State, James Chol Gatluak and cattle youth at 9 PM.

“Nine people were killed and three wounded and among the dead was one civilian 7 soldiers,” Hon told Sudans Post reporter.

“The fighting was triggered by discussion between youth and the commissioner about the cows raided from Warrap State to be returned,” he said.

Over the weekend, suspected armed youth from Unity State attacked a cattle camp in Warrap State leaving at least 12 people dead and 21 others wounded.

According to local authorities in Warrap State, the armed youth looted 1,300 heads of cattle in Apuk village.

“The youth declined to do so and they refused to dialogue with the commissioner and they started shooting at the bodyguards of the commissioner,” he said.

He said the situation is now claimed and the commissioner is in Mayom County.

“The situation is normal now.  The commissioner is safe and he is in headquarters in Mayom. The youth are in cattle camps and the commissioner is in headquarters and there is no engagement,” he said.