9 killed, 4 wounded in separate attacks in Abyei

AWEIL —  At least 9 people have been killed and 4 wounded in separate deadly attacks within the disputed Special Administrative Area, official reported on Sunday.

Speaking to Sudans Post on Sunday, Abyei Special Administrative Area Information Minister Yuana Akol Ngor stated that a group of armed youth from Twic County in Warrap, supported by the controversial Nuer spiritual leader Gai Mchiek, attacked Abyei on April 4 and 6, respectively, resulting in the deaths of 9 people.

“The attack occurred first on April 4, in which four people who were charcoal makers were killed. Others were wounded. Today, on Sunday, April 6, attacks occurred at locations such as Majak-Maan-Nyuar, Dongop, and Lou. Today it was a bad onslaught, and dozens of people were killed,” Akol said.

Akol said the Twic County youth, along with their ally Gai Machiek, a Nuer spiritual leader, launched a massive attack on Abyei from various locations, resulting in the deaths and displacement of several people.

“As I am speaking to you now, I am still outside in the village where I am getting reports. So they are still sketchy. These forces are from Gai-Machiek forces, and they are allied with forces from Twic County in Warrap State.”

He stated that the motive behind the attack remains unclear, adding that the situation remains tense as of Sunday afternoon.

He called on the authorities in Twic County to hold accountable Nuer spiritual leader Gai Machiek and their youth for the killings of several people.

“Many people believe that this is more of a revenge attack due to hatred implanted between the communities of Twic, Unity, and Abyei, as such recent conflicts are too recurrent.”

Attempts to reach out to the authorities of Warrap State for comment over the attack by their armed forces were unsuccessful.