![A man seen holding gun at an unknown cattle camp in South Sudan. [Photo via Radio Tamazuj]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/5f2fc259d3bfa.jpeg?resize=850%2C371&quality=89&ssl=1)
Lakes State police spokesman Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac told Sudans Post on Friday that the incident occurred in Yirol East County, a region experiencing ongoing insecurity due to cattle raids and killings by armed criminals from neighboring Panyijiar County.
“A group of armed youth from Panyijiar County raided a village called Mathiang in Yirol East County on May 9th,” Makuac said.
“They abducted six people – two elderly men and four children – and stole an unspecified number of cattle from the grazing field,” he added.
The attackers reportedly beheaded the two elderly men before releasing the children at around 3:00 PM. The children then informed authorities in Yirol East County.
“Security forces were deployed to the area, but due to limited access, vehicles were unable to reach the scene,” Makuac explained.
“The forces spent the night searching for the attackers but returned this morning without success. The criminals had already fled back to Panyijiar County,” he added.
The exact number of stolen cattle is still being determined. Authorities are working with local residents to gather information on the missing animals.
“The stolen cattle belonged to several people in the area,” Makuac said. “Once everyone reports the number of missing animals, we will have a clear picture of the total number stolen.”
Makuac urged residents of Yirol East County to remain vigilant and called for improved security measures to prevent future cattle raids.
