At least three people were shot dead and five others, including three children, an SSPDF soldier, and an elderly man, were injured in separate attacks in Jonglei State’s Duk County on Thursday, according to a local official.
Duk County Commissioner John Chatim Ruai told Radio Tamazuj Friday that despite the hopeful peace talks in Pibor, armed Murle raiders launched a series of brutal attacks in his area.
“A commercial vehicle carrying passengers left Padiet Payam earlier in the morning around 8:30 a.m. (Thursday) to Uror County and fell in an ambush laid by armed Murle raiders,” he said. “Three people were killed and three children, an elderly man, and a soldier were injured.”
According to Commissioner Chatim, on the same day at around 1 p.m., a group of cattle traders who were moving from Ayod County to Padiet Payam also fell in an ambush at a place called Paloi, and one SSPDF soldier was killed and another wounded.
“On the same day, armed Murle youth attacked herdsmen who were looking after cattle at a grazing place in Padiet Payam, Duk County,” he stated. “They killed one person and another one was wounded, no cattle were taken in that attack but they stole 12 head of cattle in Poktap.”
When contacted for comment, Abraham Keleng said he could not speak on behalf Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) because he has been replaced by a new information minister who is yet to assume office.
The recent incidents highlight the fragile security situation in the Greater Jonglei region where cattle raids have historically fueled cyclic violence.