Barricade tape for crime scene (Courtesy)

An official in Warrap State says 19 people were killed and four others wounded during a cattle-related attack in Tonj North County on Saturday June 3, 2023.

The state Information Minister William Wol Mayom told Eye Radio, armed youth suspected to have come from Unity State attacked Akok Payam leading to heavy casualties.

“On the side of Greater Tonj, there is a reported attack yesterday THE 3^RD of June 2023 in Akok Payam of Apong-padoc community of Tonj North County. This attack was carried out by suspected armed youth from Mayom County in Unity State,” he said.

“In the incident, 19 people were killed including a woman, and four others were wounded. So far, the wounded have been transferred to Wau for treatment by the government of Warrap State.”

Efforts to reach Unity State government spokesperson David Gai Jiecjor and Mayom County Acting Commissioner Bedong Manylim for comment were fruitless as their phones went unanswered.

Wol said the wounded people have been transferred to neighboring Wau town for treatment.

The official said the state government is coordinating efforts with Unity State authorities to have the perpetrators arrested and brought to justice.

“Currently, we are establishing contacts and coordinating efforts to make sure that the attackers are brought to book by the government of Unity State.”