40 killed as Arab militias terrorise Abyei

JUBA – Over 40 people have been killed when heavily armed Arab militiamen attacked villages in disputed region of Abyei this morning, Abyei Chief Administrator Kuol Deim Kuol’s security advisor, Kelek Kon, is quoted by Radio Tamazuj as saying.

Kon said the attack which occurred during the early hours of Thursday resulted in the killing of at least 42 people adding that thousands of cattle been recovered after they were stolen by the attackers.

“In the Leu village attack at 6 am, five people were killed, one person injured and more than 1,913 cattle raided. But about 200 cattle were recovered from the attackers,” he said.

“At about 10 am, the Miseriya gunmen attacked the Noong village and killed 10 people and the same gunmen attacked Amiet Market killing 27 people and wounding 26 others,” he added.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Abyei Area Administration said the attacks have displaced thousands of people.

“The Abyei Area Administration condemns this barbaric attack in the strongest terms possible and calls upon UNISFA to live up to its mandate and render effective protection to the civilians,” the statement read in part.

Attempts by Radio Tamazuj to reach the Miseriya community leaders to comment were futile.