Albino Akol Atak, National Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (middle), Stefano Wieu, Chief Administrator, Ruweng Administrative Area (right), William Thon, former governor of Upper Nile (right) during a visit to Abiemnhom County. Photo: Wol Mapal/Eye Radio

The national government has pledged urgent humanitarian assistance to civilians displaced by the recent deadly attack in Abiemnhom County of the Ruweng Administrative Area.

A delegation led by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, visited the area on Monday to assess the situation following the March 1 violence.

The attack, allegedly carried out by armed youth from Unity State, left nearly 200 people dead, including local officials and members of the armed forces.

Thousands of residents fled to Abyei Town, Agok, and parts of Warrap State, leaving the area largely deserted. Authorities say many of the displaced are now in urgent need of humanitarian support.

Speaking during the visit, the Chief Administrator of Ruweng Administrative Area, Stefano Wieu, described the situation as critical.

“The population is indeed in dire need of humanitarian assistance following the impact of the deadly attack,” Wieu said.

“The government should continue building confidence through deployment of significant forces to restore stability in the area.”

He called on the national government to deploy more security forces and appealed for immediate humanitarian assistance to support displaced families and those attempting to return home.

In response, Minister Albino Akol Atak assured affected communities that the government would provide both food and non-food assistance.

He acknowledged the scale of destruction, including burned homes, looted markets, and the vandalization of the county’s only hospital.

“We will make sure we provide the necessary support needed here,” Atak said. “My team and I will go back and ensure food assistance, shelter for those whose homes were burned, medicines, and hospital equipment are provided as soon as possible.”

The minister also extended condolences to families who lost loved ones and stressed the need to prevent a recurrence of such violence.