Likuangole County in the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) has been enveloped in fear and panic since Sunday, following intermittent inter-communal fighting that resulted in the abduction of 8 children and a pregnant woman. An unspecified number of people were also reported killed.
The conflict erupted when suspected armed Lou Nuer youth from neighboring Jonglei State launched a series of raids on villages in Likuangole on Sunday, local officials reported.
John Gogol, the Likuangole County commissioner, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the attack by the heavily armed Lou Nuer youth has prompted residents to flee.
“These attackers came from Uror County and passed through Akobo, where they had mobilized some youth willing to join,” Gogol stated. “While in Likuangole, they encountered only light resistance at Lokormac from the youngest age set, as everyone was fleeing due to their large numbers. They managed to abduct a pregnant woman and 8 children and raided hundreds of cattle from 70 homes in Jwom village.”
The County Commissioner noted that while details of casualties remain sparse, many homes have been deserted.
“As these attackers arrived, people fled their homes and continue to flee. There is still fear because the attackers are still in GPAA. They are in the Anyuak area of Pochalla with the abductees and cattle. We are unsure if they will return from there or if they are planning further attacks,” shared Commissioner John Gogol, expressing his concerns.
Meanwhile, Joseph Longole, a lawmaker in the GPAA Legislative Assembly, and the area’s Information minister, Oleyo Akwer Nyalus, emphasized that tensions remain high and urged armed Jonglei youth to withdraw.
“About 9 people have been confirmed abducted and 300 cattle raided. These attackers are now positioned between Otallo and Jwom. They were requested by the Anyuak to release the abductees, but they refused, claiming they were searching for Murle. This attack caught us off guard because we stand for peace,” stated Lawmaker Longole.
Officials from Jonglei State were not immediately available for comment.
This attack in Likuangole coincides with accusations against Murle youth for attacks in parts of Jonglei State, including the recent raid on a village in Akobo County on Monday, resulting in the deaths of five people.