Local authorities in Tonj North County in Warrap State on Wednesday said armed youth from Akop Payam last weekend attacked a cattle camp in Lou Arik, and in a bizarre move killed two people and 24 head of cattle.
The raid took place 3 days before Governor Aleu Ayieny Aleu launched a peaceful disarmament campaign in the Greater Tonj area. This is the first incident since February when peace committees disseminated messages among the communities of Tonj North, East, and South counties.
Kuol Akoon Kuol, the Tonj North County commissioner, said the incident occurred at 2:00 am when youth from Akop attacked the cattle owners.
“The armed criminal youth who came from Akop attacked people in the cattle camp in Lou Arik and killed two people, injured another two people, and also killed 24 cows in the village called Achong-Chong. The 2 who were injured are in the hospital for treatment,” Commissioner Akoon said. “I went and spent two days there talking to the local residents and the situation is calm. The people who attacked the cattle camp were pursued and they disappeared in the bushes.”
He added: “I talked to people of Akop Payam and ordered them to trace their sons who committed this crime. The government is serious about this and as I speak, two chiefs have been arrested until they bring the perpetrators.”
The commissioner said armed youth are still attacking and raiding cattle oblivious that Governor Aleu is now in Tonj South County with forces to carry out disarmament.
Meanwhile, Ring Deng Ading, the Warrap State information minister, confirmed the incident and said the youth who are still holding illegal guns will be brought to book by all means.
“Whether they (youth) accept or not, the chiefs have accepted the disarmament campaign. So, what remains is the task of the commanders of SSPDF,” Minister Deng said. “That incident was just a revenge killing and it was settled by the government as the governor himself went to Tonj North when it happened. Those responsible are now in custody in Tonj North County headquarters.”