An armed cattle keeper walks with his cows during a seasonal migration of cattle for grazing near Tonj, South Sudan, Feb. 16, 2020. | Photo credit: VOA

At least seven people have been killed and thirteen others wounded in a cattle-related violence in Warrap State.

The state Information Minister says three cattle camps in Luanjang area of Tonj East came under attack by suspected armed youth from Pakam in Lakes State.

Wol Mayom says the attackers reportedly raided over five hundred heads of cattle.

“Three cattles came under an attack from suspected armed youth from Pakam Rumbek North County and in that incident 7 people were killed ,13 wounded and 570 heads of cattle were raided,” he said.

According to him, the attack was the second of its kind in the area this year.

“This is the second time  Luacjang community cattle camp is attacked by the same suspected armed youth from Pakam,

“The government of Warrap State condemn it in the strongest term possible and we are committed to peace,’ Mayom added.

When contacted, the Acting Minister of Information in Lakes States William Koji confirmed that fighting took place in Pakam, North of Rumbek, but said he could not verify the incident in person.

However, he said, fighting was common between the neighboring communities.

“Myself, I cannot verify now. What I know on Monday there were clashes within Rumbek North of Madol Payam,

“I cannot deny because these guys at the boarder have issues killing each other all the time,” he said.

Mr Koji said the two-state governments  will  not tolerating and  accept such behavior to continue describing the incident as very unfortunate.