Armed bandits carried out a deadly cattle raid in South Sudan’s Unity State on Tuesday, leaving fifteen local residents dead.
Six children and several women were among the victims of the tragic attack, according to state governor Joseph Manytuil.
The assault occurred in the volatile Padang Payam region, wounding twenty-two other individuals and killing forty valuable cattle.
Local officials reported that approximately two hundred cattle were stolen and driven toward the neighboring Ruweng Administrative Area.
A spokesperson for the Ruweng government strongly rejected the accusations of involvement during an interview with international reporters.
The horrific incident underscores the persistent cycle of ethnic and criminal violence plaguing the impoverished East African nation.
This region remains highly dangerous, following a devastating massacre in March that left over one hundred and sixty people dead.
Security personnel warned that youth mobilization for similar raids is rapidly expanding in the neighboring Jonglei state.
Experts fear these local livestock disputes could easily draw in larger political factions and worsen the ongoing national instability.
Civilian populations continue to bear the heaviest burden of these territorial conflicts since the nation gained independence.
