Map of Central Equatoria State. (Courtesy).

The Archbishop of the Central Equatoria Internal Province of the ECSS says at least 20 civilians have been killed and several others injured in a cattle-related attack in Kajo-Keji County on Thursday.
The incident occurred in Lire Payam on Thursday morning.

Archbishop Paul Yugusuk said suspected herders attacked the locals, killing 18 men and two women.

“On this incident that took place in Kajo-Keji this morning where 20 civilians were killed, 20 civilians two ladies and 18 men in Lire Payam in Kajo-Keji,” Bishop Yugusuk told Eye Radio.

“The incident happened in the morning and we have now brought them to Mere which is the town where is the government headquarters.”

Yugusuk, who is also the caretaker of the  Archdiocese of Kajo-Keji said more than 3,000 civilians have been displaced due to the attack.

The attack occurred amid ongoing meetings between Kajo-Kejo County authorities and their counterparts from Bor County of Jonglei state.

When contacted, the Press Secretary of Kajo-Keji County commissioner, Jimmy, confirmed the incident.

“Yesterday (Wednesday), we had a meeting with the Commissioner of Bor and his delegation. We were supposed to be in Metu, then this incident happened, and we do not know who started and how it started,” the local official said.

“As I speak now fifteen people are dead at the moment their bodies are laid in front of us and there are others still coming and we cannot verify the exact number.”