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

The death toll in the cattle camp clashes between Luanyjang of Warrap and Pakam of Lakes State has risen to 25 people, an official in Warrap State has said.

Warrap Information Minister, William Wol Mayom also said 15 others have been wounded.

According to Mayom, the fighting occurred after 11 men headed for Rumbek North from Warrap were ambushed.

“The incident was triggered by 11 men, who were accompanying their niece to the side of Rumbek North. On their way they were ambushed and five people were killed and one wounded,” he said.

“When the gunshots were heard by their colleagues from the side of Luanjang, they ran in the order to see what has happened and the youth of Pakam, seemingly organized immediately attacked and clashes happened in the side of Malek cattle camp.”

There are contracting narrative from both Lakes and Warrap authorities on where the incident occurred.

On Wednesday, Lakes State Minister of Information put the death toll at five with 18 injuries.

Lakes State’s Information Minister William Koji said the incident occurred in Madol Payam of Rumbek North County.

But his counterpart has denied the claim saying the attack occurred at Melith cattle camp in Tonj East County of Warrap State.

Mayom, who reported more than 20 deaths in the incident, believes that the attackers came from Pakam Community of Rumbek North in Lakes State.

“In that incident, 25 people were confirmed killed and 15 wounded including two children and one woman.”

He also said 47 cattle were killed by crossfire, 50 cattle were raided, and six people are still missing.”