The death toll from a violent attack in Mogiri, Central Equatoria State, has risen to 10, with 14 others wounded, police authorities said Wednesday.
An initial report said at least eight cattle traders from Pibor were killed and eight others injured in the assault.
Police spokesperson Maj. Gen. James Monday Enoka told Radio Tamazuj that those killed included two security personnel. He said the attack, carried out by suspected armed youths from Jonglei State, targeted cattle traders from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area late Tuesday.
The attackers seized an unspecified number of cattle and fled toward Bor, Jonglei State, Enoka said.
According to Enoka, the traders had brought approximately 5,000 cattle to Mogiri camp for sale when they came under attack. A joint security force—comprising police, military (SSPDF), and national intelligence personnel—had been deployed to protect the traders.
“At around 7 p.m., these forces were ambushed by armed youths believed to be from Jonglei,” Enoka said. “The casualties include two security officers.”
The police spokesperson said the situation is now under control after reinforcements were dispatched early Wednesday. The wounded are receiving medical treatment, though the exact condition of the injured remains unclear.
Enoka suggested the attack may be linked to long-standing disputes over cattle between communities in Jonglei and Pibor.
“The people of Jonglei believe the cattle being sold in Juba were stolen from them and taken to Pibor,” he said. “Instead of pursuing legal channels, they resorted to violence.”
He emphasized that rightful ownership claims should be resolved through legal processes rather than armed confrontation.
Cattle raids and retaliatory attacks are recurrent between Jonglei and Pibor, often fueling cycles of violence between communities.
This latest incident raises concerns over the government’s ability to find a lasting solution to the violence.
Bol Deng Bol, a civil society activist and executive director of INTREPID South Sudan (ISS), said the attack was especially concerning amid ongoing peace efforts between cattle-keeping communities in the greater Pibor area and Jonglei State.
“We extend our sympathies to the families who lost loved ones,” he said. “We condemn this attack and urge authorities to address these issues by engaging cattle keepers. These raiders are said to be in the bush, but an inclusive process involving all stakeholders is needed.”