Four Dead, 12 Injured in Lakes State Cattle Raid

Four Dead, 12 Injured in Lakes State Cattle Raid

Four people were killed and 12 others wounded in clashes between armed youths in South Sudan’s Lakes State over the weekend, police reported on Sunday.

The violence erupted on Saturday between youths from Rumbek Central and Cueibet counties in the Relkou area, according to police spokesman Major Elijah Mabor Makuac. The fighting occurred between the Aliet and Magotic areas.

Makuac attributed the violence to a cattle raid, explaining that armed youths from Cueibet county stole 26 head of cattle from Rumbek Central county on Saturday afternoon.

The cattle owners pursued the stolen animals on Sunday morning and were ambushed, leading to casualties.

The security situation has since stabilized, with the wounded being evacuated to hospitals in Rumbek and Cueibet. Makuac blamed the ongoing violence on the suspension of a disarmament program and emphasized the need for a forceful approach to address the proliferation of weapons.

“Peaceful disarmament was given a chance, and many armed youths surrendered their arms. However, forceful disarmament is now necessary and needs specific procedures and conditions,” he stated.

Makuac highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to disarmament, considering the wider issue of weapon proliferation in the region. He urged residents to prioritize agriculture to mitigate the effects of anticipated food shortages due to flooding and rising food prices.

Dr. Terran Madit Terran from Rumbek State Hospital confirmed receiving two patients with gunshot wounds from the clashes. Daniel Laat Kon, coordinator for the civil society organization CEPO in Lakes State, condemned the violence and called on authorities to apprehend the perpetrators. CEPO urged the state government to intervene and bring the perpetrators to justice to deter future attacks.