At least four people were killed and four others injured in a cattle raid in Baidit Payam of Bor County, Jonglei State, on Sunday night, a local lawmaker said.
John Mabil Alier Mayen, who represents Bor County in the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly, said the attack occurred at about 10:00 p.m. in Mathiang Boma, and was carried out by armed youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
“The armed attack was carried out at 10:00 p.m. in Mathiang Boma, Baidit Payam, by armed Murle youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area. The incident resulted in the loss of four lives and injuries to four other civilians,” Mabil said.
He condemned the attack, describing it as devastating for the local community, and called for stronger security along the Jonglei–GPAA border.
“Accountability is essential to rebuild trust and deter future violence,” he said, urging authorities to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
The lawmaker also called for enhanced joint security coordination and early warning mechanisms to prevent further cross-border attacks.
“The latest violence underscores the need to strengthen protection of civilians and property,” he added.
However, officials in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area denied knowledge of the incident.
GPAA Minister of Information Jacob Werchum Juok told Radio Tamazuj he was not aware of any attack involving armed youth from Pibor in Bor County, suggesting the allegations could be linked to tensions elsewhere.
“Normally, when the youth of Jonglei are mobilizing to attack the Greater Pibor area, people in Jonglei come up with such accusations to divert public attention,” he said.
He added that GPAA authorities had instructed their youth not to engage in cross-border attacks, while alleging possible mobilization in Jonglei State.
Violence between communities in Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area has persisted for years, often driven by cattle raiding and cycles of retaliatory attacks despite repeated peace efforts.
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