Seven People Killed, Five Injured in Warrap Attacks in South Sudan

South Sudan Warrap state in red where fighting has erupted. It is reported that the fighting in Unity has spilled over., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

TUESDAY 18 MARCH 2014

Seven people killed, five injured in Warrap attacks

March 17, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Authorities in Warrap state capital Kuacjok reported that seven people were killed and more than 300 head of cattle were raided by suspected pastoralists from Unity state on Saturday.

Acting minister of information and telecommunications Paul Dhel Gum confirmed the attack, which occurred after a group of armed of men stormed Alabek payam (district) in Tonj North county.

According to Gum, state governor Nyandeng Malek has instructed youth and police to step up patrols in remote areas, as well as along suspected routes travelled by raiders into Warrap state.

The latest incident is one of a numbers of attacks carried out by raiders from Unity state against civilians in Warrap state.

“On behalf of the government of Warrap state and on my own behalf, my sincere condolences to the community of Tonj North county and Lou Ariik of Alabek payam in particular for these tragic deaths,” said Gum.

“Our government will do all the possible means to make sure that our civil population is not exposed to danger of arm criminals from Unity state,” he added.

Gum said the governor had ordered increased security measures since the attack, with county commissioners on maximum alert, while vulnerable groups have been temporarily relocated from trouble spots for their safety. Forces are also monitoring any suspected criminal movements in border areas.

Warrap state authorities have also urged their citizens to exercise restraint and not in engage in revenge attacks.

Gum quoted the governor as saying the people of Warrap state are peaceful, but would not tolerate attacks on innocent civilians, calling on authorities in Unity state to take tougher measures to curb cross-border cattle raids.

“We urge our counterparts in Unity state to exert more efforts to ensure that enemies don’t exist between two states to avoid frustration and subsequent response from people of Warrap state,” he said.

(ST)