By Manas James
At least two people, including a woman, were killed during a raid by armed assailants in Duk County, Jonglei State, in a tragic incident on Tuesday afternoon.
According to John Chatim Ruei, the Duk County commissioner, the attack also resulted in the theft of an unspecified number of cattle, further exacerbating tensions in the region, which has been plagued by cyclical violence and cattle raids among various communities.
He said the assailants launched their ambush while local herders were tending to their cattle in the grazing fields of Patuet Village.
“On Tuesday afternoon, our herders were attacked resulting in the death of a herdsman and a woman who was tragically caught in the crossfire while collecting firewood,” Ruei reported.
He also confirmed that all the cattle were taken during the raid, and local authorities are actively pursuing the assailants.
Commissioner Ruei condemned the attack, alleging the involvement of armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
He expressed concern over this pattern of violence, stating, “In another attack this afternoon, a village in Pagak Payam was targeted, resulting in further cattle theft and one injury.” He urged GPAA authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into these repeated incidents.
Attempts to reach the GPAA’s information minister, Nyinginga Okanho Kiro, for comments went unanswered, leaving local authorities and community members seeking answers and security amid increasing lawlessness.
The ongoing conflicts in Jonglei State often revolve around cattle, a vital asset to the local communities, and are fueled by ethnic tensions, competition for resources, and historical grievances.
As the situation remains precarious, calls for increased security measures and community dialogue grow