At least 17 people have been killed in a revenge attack fueled by cattle raiding in northern South Sudan, according to a local government spokesperson.
The violence also forced the evacuation of oil workers from the key Toma South oil field.
James Arop Ayuel, a spokesperson for the Ruweng Administrative Area, stated that the clashes erupted on Saturday in the village of Khat Elnar.
This followed attempts by government officials to mediate tensions stemming from a previous cattle raid.
The conflict escalated when heavily armed raiders from neighboring Unity State stormed the Toma South oil field, managed by Greater Pioneer Operating Company (GPOC).
Ayuel reported that the raiders attacked and looted the facility.
“We urge the South Sudanese government to deploy forces to protect the oil fields,” Ayuel pleaded.
“This is a national issue.” He further detailed repeated looting incidents at the compound, highlighting the ongoing security threat.
The spokesperson identified the attackers as youth from Rubkona County seeking to reclaim cattle stolen earlier by Ruweng youth.
Cattle hold significant cultural and economic value in South Sudan, serving as a measure of wealth and a traditional bride price.
