At least 15 people were killed during a failed cattle raid in Tonj East County of Warrap state, local officials said Friday.
Authorities in Warrap and neighboring Unity state told Radio Tamazuj that armed youth believed to be from Mayom County in Unity state attacked the Luachjang area early Thursday, targeting cattle camps. The attempted raid was repelled by local cattle keepers, triggering a clash that left 15 people dead and at least three others seriously wounded.
Machuei Bith, commissioner of Tonj East County, said the attackers targeted Mapet and Muut cattle camps at dawn but were pushed back before taking any livestock.
“Yesterday at dawn, there was an attack by armed youth targeting Mapet and Muut cattle camps. They were repulsed before taking any cows, and no one was killed on our side,” Bith told Radio Tamazuj. He added that more than two people were in critical condition due to limited medical services.
Bith said he could not confirm casualties among the attackers, noting they retreated toward swampy areas after several hours of fighting.
He warned that tensions remain high, with armed youth still hiding nearby, raising fears of renewed violence.
“The situation is relatively calm, but there is fear of another attack at any time because the gunmen are still in the area,” he said.
Officials said the violence has heightened concerns among residents and called for government intervention to prevent further clashes.
Simon Gatluak, executive director of Mayom County in Unity state, confirmed the incident and said local authorities had attempted to prevent such raids.
“As of now, the situation at the border is stable, but some outlawed youth had attempted to carry out a raid, which we tried to stop,” he said. He added that the new state administration would work to improve security along the border.
Moses Madot, a member of parliament representing Tonj East, said he was still gathering information but confirmed that several residents were wounded.
“Locals told me that more than three people from Luachjang were seriously injured, and I am still collecting more details,” he said.
The incident underscores ongoing insecurity in parts of Warrap and Unity states, where cattle raiding and intercommunal violence remain common despite repeated government efforts to restore order.