At least seven people were killed and 19 others wounded and several houses burned in a revenge attack in Tonj South County in Warrap State on Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The county commissioner, Gordon Makuer Tiau, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the violence erupted between elements from Manyangok community in Manyangok Payam and their counterparts in Mabior Yar Payam.
He said the fatalities occurred on both sides of the confrontation.
“The attackers were elements from the Manyangok community in Manyangok Payam against Mabior Yar Payam counterparts. Seven people have lost their lives from both sides, 19 injured,” Makuer said, adding that the clashes were linked to a cycle of revenge over past cattle raiding incidents.
He said no cattle raid took place during Tuesday’s attack, though previous retaliatory violence between the communities had involved cattle theft.
Makuer said security forces and county authorities had arrested 17 cattle camp leaders for questioning as part of investigations into the incident.
“We are now collecting cattle Majok-Wut (camp leaders) because they are the right people who stay within the cattle camps; we have now managed to bring 17 of them from their communities to Tonj South County headquarters,” he said.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said tensions in the area remained high, adding that residents were staying indoors by early evening.
“Yes, the attack has happened and even it got worse; so the people go home before 7 p.m.,” the resident said.
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