By Peter Kuol Kuch
Police authorities in Jonglei State have reported that at least nine people have been confirmed dead following clashes between local youth and suspected armed attackers in Uror County over the weekend.
According to the police, the clashes were instigated by cattle raiding.
1st Lt. Akech Mapiau, police spokesperson for Jonglei State, stated that the suspected attackers are believed to have come from the Pibor administrative area.
“I just received information that on March 1, 2025, there was an attack in Wic-Kol, Uror County, resulting in the loss of nine lives; however, one person is still missing,” Mr. Akech said.
He also noted that the raided cattle were eventually rescued by local youth during the clashes.
Police have yet to determine the number of injuries sustained during the incidents.
“Yes, the majority of those killed are youth. Cattle were rescued following the incident, and there were no reports of women being killed,” Mr. Akech confirmed.
Mr. Akech acknowledged that the rate of insecurity is increasing across the state but assured that the government is working diligently to provide necessary protection to local populations throughout Jonglei State.
“The community is quite large; Uror is large. Some forces have been deployed to the headquarters, but many villages have limited security presence. The government is committed to ensuring maximum protection, and the community is urged to remain vigilant,” he added.
Local communities in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) have been experiencing frequent incidents of communal violence driven by cattle raiding, child abduction, and revenge killings.
It is believed that this violence is exacerbated by the illegal possession of firearms among civilians.
Earlier last month, top government officials from Jonglei State and the GPAA met in Juba to discuss strategies for achieving lasting peace between the two regions.
The No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper attempted to reach authorities in Pibor for comment on the situation, but all attempts were unsuccessful.