At least ten people were killed on Saturday in a clash between herders and cattle rustlers in Anuol County of Eastern Lakes State, a local official said on Sunday.
Information Minister in Eastern Lakes State Abel Taban told Radio Tamazuj that the incident occurred on Saturday evening when herders grazing livestock at the Kumuku cattle camp were attacked by gunmen.
He pointed out that locals teamed up with soldiers and repulsed the attackers, killing three of them. He added that seven cattle raiders were also killed.
“Two local youth were also wounded in the clashes,” Abel said.
The attackers are believed to be from neighboring Western Lakes State, he said.
Clashes between the rival cattle herding pastoralists are common in greater Lakes region, with herders often carrying guns to protect their cattle.
Livestock herding is the main source of income in many parts of South Sudan.