Authorities in Warrap State’s Twic County and Unity State’s Mayom County have reported that armed youths, believed to be from Mayom County, killed three cattle keepers, wounded seven others, and made off with more than 10,000 head of cattle during a raid on Thursday.
The attack took place in the areas of Amuol, Ayen Amuol, and Bul, located approximately 3km from Turalei Town.
Officials said the armed group was spotted on Wednesday in Mayom County, moving towards Twic before carrying out the raid.
John Mabior, Twic County’s Acting County Commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that four cattle camps were targeted in the attack.
Three people were killed while defending their livestock, and seven others were injured. The wounded were taken to the Mother Theresa Medical Center in Turalei Town for treatment.
“The armed criminals from Unity State, particularly Mayom County, were seen around River Lol, heading towards Twic County. The Mayom authorities had alerted us prior to the incident,” Mabior said. “The attackers killed three cattle defenders, injured seven others, and fled with over 10,000 head of cattle.”
He added that the raiders targeted cattle camps in Amuol, Mayen Amuol, Kuec Amuol, and Bul.
“I reported the incident to the acting governor, and we shared the information with the Mayom County Commissioner to mobilize forces to recover the stolen cattle,” Mabior explained.
Mayom County Commissioner James Lily Lily confirmed the attack, describing it as a criminal act. He emphasized that there are no underlying tensions between the two counties, which have historically maintained peaceful relations.
“Our relationship with Twic County has been peaceful since the time of our ancestors. However, armed criminals are responsible for this insecurity,” Lily said.
He noted that the Thercuong armed group had joined the government during the administration of former governor Dr. Ngueng Monytuil, but some members of the Bul Nuer faction remain active in the area.
Lily said Mayom County authorities had warned their Twic counterparts about the armed youths heading towards Twic to raid cattle. “We shared this information with the Twic County Commissioner to prevent such incidents,” he added.