A civil society activist has called on the national government to establish a neutral zone between the state and Greater Pibor Administrative Area following the deadly attack in Duk County.

Gunmen that Duk County Commissioner identified as youth from Pibor attacked a cattle camp at midnight on Thursday, killing 14 people and wounding dozens of others.

Commissioner Peter Latjor Chuol said the perpetrators also raided 7,000 cattle and escaped with impunity.

Pibor’s Deputy Chief Administrator John Abulla said he was not aware about the incident, adding that he had not received any communication from Jonglei government about the raid.

Abulla, however, said he has directed authorities in areas bordering Jonglei State to intercept and apprehend any group of raiders that might cross into the state.

In response, Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, and the Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network condemned the attack and blamed the state government for having allegedly failed to protect civilians.

“This extreme act of violence, meted out on the residents of Duk County, Jonglei State, this morning, correctly demonstrates the level of the apparent State of Lawlessness between Jonglei State and Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA),” Deng said.

“With this, the Government of Jonglei State clearly cannot protect her Citizens from the outlaws (internal or external threats) among themselves and this disappoints the most.”

Activist Deng called for an end to what he termed as state of anarchy “where impunity thrives, and perpetrators are protected instead.”

“We have suggested things that have not been considered including creation of a buffer zone between GPAA and Jonglei State. What do the National Government have in store as a remedy to these perpetual deadly raids? This, we are eager to know.”

Jonglei State Police Commissioner Major General Elia Costa confirmed the attack while adding security forces responded.

General Costa said among the 14 victims are four police officers, two wildlife officers, one prison guard and some youths.

“They stole an unknown number of cows, and the young men chased them and clashed with them, causing the death of 14 people. Among them are 4 police officers, 2 wildlife forces, one prison guard, and the rest of the killed are young men from the area.”

Following the incident, Pibor Deputy Chief Administrator John Abula told Eye Radio he will contact his commissioners at border areas to monitor the situation.

“We will let the commissioners along borders be aware to alert our local chiefs and our police there at the border so that they will monitor the border,” he said.

“If there is anyone found coming from the other side carrying cattle, they will be immediately apprehended, but up to now, I did not receive any call from Jonglei though I’m the one acting as chief administrator.”