By Hou Akot Hou
At least three people are reported dead following a clash involving armed youth who allegedly attacked Turalei, Twic County of Warrap State.
The herders, who brought their cattle to graze in the marshes, lost hundreds of heads of cattle during the incident, which was reportedly perpetrated by youth from Mayom County at Kuec-Amuool around 11:00 AM on Thursday.
The raiders targeted three cattle camps at Kuec-Amuool in Turalei Payam, according to reports from officials on the ground.
“This attack originated from Mayom County in the early hours of Thursday, where they assaulted herders and made off with the cattle towards Unity State,” recounted John Mabior, the acting commissioner of Twic County.
He noted that some youth from Twic County attempted to pursue the raiders in an effort to retrieve the stolen cattle, but most of the animals were taken away.
“Rescue attempts were made, but we could not recover a significant number of the cattle. During the clash, three casualties were recorded, and the youth were unable to reclaim the cattle in large numbers,” he added.
Efforts to reach Mayom County authorities for comments on the incident have been unsuccessful. This clash has exacerbated tensions between the cattle-keeping communities, reigniting old conflicts.
In a separate incident, it was reported that a mob broke into a facility where detainees were held, resulting in two deaths and several injuries during clashes in Turalei.
However, the acting commissioner denied these claims, stating that only two individuals were involved in a brawl that led to the death of one civilian and one SSPDF officer from Division 11, insisting that there was no breach of a cell and no prisoners were lured out.