By Manas James Okony
A group of armed youth from Jonglei State, who briefly invaded parts of the Greater Pibor Administrative Area’s Gumuruk County, have retreated after stealing over 3,000 head of cattle, authorities reported.
Jacob Werchum Jouk, the GPAA information minister, indicated that the attackers withdrew on Sunday afternoon after overrunning several villages.
He confirmed that at least four local youths lost their lives during the confrontation, while many others were injured or displaced.
“During the incident, four Murle youth were killed, and the attackers successfully absconded with 3,027 cattle,” he noted.
“The casualty figures are still being assessed, but our team on the ground reported finding at least 31 bodies of the assailants.”
Minister Werchum explained that the fighting had erupted on Friday evening when local youth attempted to resist the heavily armed intruders.
However, by Sunday afternoon, they were overwhelmed, with the attackers plundering cattle from the villages of Nyalima, Kibali, and Thamarac.
“Those who fled are currently seeking refuge in Manyabol town,” Werchum stated. “The attackers retreated toward Gadiang town in Jonglei State with the stolen cattle.”
However, Jonglei State Information Minister Nyamar Lony stated last Saturday that her government was unaware of any conflict involving local youth.
“We remain in contact with our youth, and they are in their respective counties. No youth has moved from Duk, Uror, or Ayod,” she asserted.
Minister Nyamar emphasized her government’s commitment to fostering peaceful coexistence, stating, “Despite previous attacks by Pibor youth on Uror, we encouraged our youth to refrain from retaliation, and they have remained calm,” she revealed.