Armed youths from Panyijiar and Mayendit counties in Unity State attacked a cattle camp in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, early Sunday, killing 12 people and wounding 17, officials said.
The assault occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the Amethic cattle camp, targeting women, children, and elderly residents, in addition to raiding an unspecified number of cattle.
The violence comes despite ongoing peace efforts, including recent delegations sent by Unity State officials to Rumbek North for dialogue. It also occurred while South Sudan’s Vice President Taban Deng Gai was in Unity State, urging youths to end cattle raids and live peacefully with neighboring communities.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, William Koji, Lakes State’s acting information minister, condemned the attack and called on Unity State’s leadership to control armed groups.
“The government of Lakes State cannot cross into another state to manage criminals,” Koji said. “It is the responsibility of Unity State to prevent such acts.”
He said the attackers opened fire indiscriminately as residents slept, leaving 12 dead and 17 injured. Koji also noted that border areas between the two states remain vulnerable to violence.
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon confirmed the attack and urged both state governments to increase security along the border.
“We call on Unity State to intervene and Lakes State to deploy forces to protect civilians,” Kon said.
Rumbek North youth leader Manyuon Ater said local youths were pursuing the attackers to recover stolen cattle.
For his part, Panyijiar County Commissioner Majok Bol acknowledged the raid by armed youth from his county but distanced his community from the assailants, calling them “criminals” and promising to return stolen cattle once recovered.
“We still support peace and dialogue,” Bol said.