By Yang Ater Yang
At least six people were killed and nine others wounded in clashes over stolen cattle between livestock owners from Rumbek Central County and raiders from Cueibet County, according to officials.
Lakes State spokesman, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac reported that the fighting erupted on January 1, 2025, between youth from Cueibet County and Rumbek Central County.
The conflict was sparked when armed criminals allegedly stole five cows from a location called Bal-wau around 3:00 AM. The cattle owners pursued the thieves towards the areas known as Makuek and Akur-Deu.
Upon reaching to the attackers, a confrontation occurred between the cattle owners and the raider. Eventually, the owners managed to recover three of the stolen cows, but two cows remained with the raiders. This altercation escalated and spread to Gurmaar village, also known as Kabur William.
Major Makuac stated that security forces and traditional leaders were able to contain the fighting, and the injured individuals were evacuated to hospitals for treatment.
Those wounded on Cueibet County side were taken to Cueibet Primary Health Care, while those from Rumbek Central County were treated at Rumbek State Hospital.
Ongoing investigations are being conducted by security forces to identify the leaders behind the conflict for potential arrest.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the suspects responsible for the clashes were from Cueibet County and noted significant government’s intervention from both counties.
As of now, the commissioners from both counties are on-site, seeking to apprehend those responsible for the disturbances.
The community hopes that the year 2025 will bring peace and harmony among local populations.
Maj. Makuac remarked that while the situation is under control, it cannot yet be deemed normal, and there have been no new reports on the incident.
Daniel Laat Kon, a coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization in Lakes State, expressed dismay over the incident.
He said that what began as cattle raiding, leading to violence, has resulted in deaths of five to seven individuals from both sides, along with nearly 18 injuries.
Laat noted a similar preceding incident in the Aliet cattle camp of Yirol East County, where five people also lost their lives.
He expressed concern that the recent violence is undermining the peace that had been established among communities in Lakes State.
As CEPO, he condemned the violence in the strongest terms and called for dialogue between the conflicting communities.
He urged for calm between the residents of Cueibet and Rumbek Central Counties, as well as addressing the earlier incident in Yirol East County related to cattle disputes.
Laat warned that if the government does not take swift action, the situation could worsen, leading to a return to the violent conflicts of previous years.
He stressed the need for government and community leader intervention to resolve the issues promptly.