Lakes State’s Acting Minister of Information, William Koji Kerjok, told the Sudans Post that the attackers likely originated from Mayendit and Panyijiar counties in Unity State.
“This [Sunday] morning, we learned of a tragic incident where criminals from neighbouring Unity State attacked Rumbek North County to raid cattle,” Koji said.
He reported that the assailants began shooting indiscriminately at sleeping residents the previous night, resulting in 12 deaths and 17 gunshot injuries.
Koji noted that local forces, alongside the county commissioner, recovered some of the stolen cattle, though the exact number of raided livestock remains unclear until owners provide a count.
The state minister of information condemned the attack and urged Unity State authorities to rein in their criminals, as Lakes State cannot control cross-border crime.
“The government of Lakes State condemns this act and calls on Unity State’s leadership to prevent such criminal activities,” he said. “We seek peace with our neighbours and want these incidents to stop.”
Koji highlighted the vulnerability of Rumbek North, Rumbek Central, and Yirol East counties, which border Unity State. He referenced a recent attack in Yirol East, where four fishermen were killed by criminals, underscoring the need for Unity State to enforce law and order.
“These areas are prone to attacks from armed groups in Unity State,” he said. “We urge their authorities to control these criminals.”
Expressing a broader call for peace, Koji emphasised unity among South Sudanese. “The people of Lakes State, Unity State, and Greater Equatoria are all South Sudanese. We must respect life and protect property. There’s no need to take what belongs to others or harm our people,” he said.
He advocated for disarmament, arguing that civilians’ access to firearms fuels cattle raids, theft, and killings. “The government must disarm youth across the country. Those who retain weapons should be treated as rebels and dealt with accordingly,” he added.
Gabriel Majok Bol, the commissioner of Panyijiar County in Unity State, confirmed the attack, stating he received reports of the incident while attending a church service in Bentiu.
“Our youths attacked a cattle camp in Rumbek North,” he said. Bol noted that the attackers were still in the field, making immediate intervention difficult, but promised action once they returned to Panyijiar.
He clarified that the raid did not represent the entire Panyijiar community and cited past efforts to return stolen cattle to Lakes State. “When these criminals bring raided cattle here, we ensure they are returned to their rightful owners,” he assured.
Daniel Laat Kon Ater, a civil society activist in Lakes State, condemned the attack and called for both state governments to act decisively.
“We deplore this attack on Rumbek North and urge the governments of Unity State and Lakes State to intervene,” he said. Ater advocated for deploying security forces along the border to protect civilians from armed criminals operating in the forests.
He also encouraged Lakes State youth to safeguard their property without resorting to retaliatory violence. “We mourn the lives lost, wish the wounded a speedy recovery, and stand in solidarity with those who lost loved ones,” he concluded.
