Authorities in South Sudan's  Warrap State deny involvement in a cattle raid last week in Unity State that left two people dead and 300 head of livestock stolen.

“On behalf of Warrap state government I would like to make it clear that none of our citizen has raided or attempt to enter areas in Unity State for any reason as alleged by rebels,” wrote Warrap Minister of Information and Telecommunication Paul Dhel Gum in an email to Radio Tamazuj.

“The said cattle raiding and killing labeled against the people of Warrap state is a fabricated propaganda by rebels as our people are [engaged] in agriculture and not looting or raiding,” Gum said.

Rebels alleged that cattle raiders from Warrap State killed a woman and child in Tor area in Unity State.

Gai Dang Kolang, spokesperson for the defected troops in Unity, said militia under the command of Matthew Pul Jang had been carrying out frequent attacks along the Warrap-Unity border.

Gum said Warrap had suffered attacks from Unity State for two years, resulting in lost lives and property.  He said rebel activities in Unity are affecting Warrap.

“Warrap State host big number of IDPs from Unity State will keep hosting them as they are South Sudanese with full right to live side by side with their brothers and sisters in Warrap state,” Gum wrote.