At least two people identified only as Lopeyo and Longolima were killed and an unspecified number of cattle were raided in Iteuso village in Eastern Equatoria State’s Ikotos County on Monday.

The Executive Director of Ikotos County, Ceaser Ingong, told Radio Tamazuj that the rustlers took cattle from four kraals.

“I was called at around 3:25 a.m. on Monday and informed that some raiders entered Iteuso and raided cattle from four kraals.  There was heavy exchange of gunfire and the local youth are still going after the cows,” he said. “Two youths, one from Itueso and the other from Imotong, were ambushed by the raiders and killed.”

“However, no suspects have been arrested but people are still following the tracks of the attackers,” Ingong added.

Meanwhile, Elia John Ahaji, the Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Information and Communication, condemned the raid and urged the youth to desist from such barbaric practices. He however denied reports that two were people killed in the raid, saying the government is aware of only one casualty.

“On the morning of 1 April 2024, an organized cattle raid happened after the practice had stopped for a long time in the state. It was carried out by armed youth suspected to have come from Rumula. They attacked and raided cattle from Iteuso in Losihet Boma of Ikotos Payam,” he explained. “One person was confirmed shot dead by the attackers and more details will follow since the youth are still pursuing the raiders. We condemn those carrying out organized cattle raids and theft in the strongest terms possible and urge them to abandon the practice and pursue other economic activities like farming, business, and innovative work.”

Minister Ahaji added: “The government will work tirelessly to make sure those involved in organized cattle raiding are apprehended and brought to book to face the full force of the law and the cattle raided will be returned to their rightful owners.”