About nine people were reported dead after an early morning attack on Ng’ang’ala Boma in Liria Payam of Central Equatoria State by cattlekeepers alleged to have come from Jonglei State last Friday.
The Executive Director of Liria Payam in Juba County told Radio Tamzuj that nine people were killed, many injured and goats raided during the attack.
“What happened is devastating. At 5 am on Frdiay morning, the cattlekeepers who were moving from Mogiri, passed through Ngangala village where they attacked the area and killed nine people, three women and six men. One person from there side was also killed,” Charles Andrea Jada said.
“The bodies were sent to Juba. About six or seven houses were torched, goats about 200 stolen, and three shops were looted,” he added.
Andrea said some civilians fled their homes during the attack and require humanitraian aid, while those who remained in the villlage live in fear.
While noting that the situation was now stable following the deployment of security forces to the area, Andrea apealed to the state governmnet to establish a police post in the Boma to deter further attacks.
“I am calling on the government to establish a police post here so that the people can return to their homes,” he appealed.
Meanwhile, Central Equatoria State Governor Emmanuel Adil Anthony in a statement condemned the attack and called on the cattlekeepers to return to Jonglei State as directed by President Salva Kiir in order to establish stability in the region.
He also offered his condolences to the affected communities and those that lost their loved ones and properties and stressed that the government is committed to protecting its citizens.
However, speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Monday morning, Central Equatoria State information minister Andruga Severino Mabe said the casualty numbers could be higher.
“People were killed, the number has been fluctuating. Upto now, we see numbers going higher than 10. Because when these people were moving they continued killing indiscriminately,” he said.
Minister Severino confirmed that security forces were sent to restore calm in the area.