Local authorities in Duk County of Jonglei State said two herdsmen were killed and 23 head of cattle stolen during a raid by armed men on December 26.
John Chatim, the Duk County commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj said the herdsmen were ambushed by between while on their way to Pajut town.
“On December 26, some of our civilians moving from Duk Padiet Payam to Patuet area of Pajut town were waylaid by assailants and 23 cows were raided,” Commissioner Chatim said. “Those civilians tried to defend themselves but they were overpowered.”
He said the attack was carried out by cattle raiders suspected to have come from Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).
Joseph Mayen Akoon, the state police commissioner, condemned the incident as unfortunate and said that they were not able to intervene because it occurred in the bush. He urged the locals to be cautious as they move to and fro during the festive season.
For his part, Lokali Amae Bullen, the GPAA chief administrator, also condemned the incident and said that he would work with his Jonglei State counterparts to crack down on criminals in the region.