Cattle are a source of prestige and wealth in South Sudan and are seen by some officials as a cause of insecurity. (AP)

The commissioners of Mayom County in Unity State, and Gogrial East County in Warrap state have vowed to hold accountable perpetrators of a cattle camp violence which left 11 people dead, and nine others wounded on Saturday.

Warrap Information Minister William Wol said on Sunday gunmen believed to be youth from Mayom County in Unity, raided a cattle camp in Wagej village of Gogrial East County.

Minister Mayom said the raid resulted in the loss of 11 lives, and wounding of nine others and the looting of 532 cattle.

In an interview with Eye Radio on Monday, Gogrial East County Commissioner, Maluac Lueth, confirmed the incident.

Mr. Lueth said, he is working closely with his Mayom counterpart to investigate the incident and ensure those responsible for the “heinous act” are held accountable.

The commissioner added that he will ensure the looted herds are returned to their rightful owners.

“As the commissioner of Gogrial East County, I am committed to ensuring that justice is served, and the perpetrators are brought to account,” he said.

“We will work closely with the relevant authorities of Mayom County to investigate this incredible incident and hold those responsible for these actions. It is crucial that we work together to find a peaceful resolution to this issue.”

Commissioner Lueth urged communities at the neighboring states to remain calm and cooperate with an ongoing investigation.

“Once again, I assure you that I will do everything in my power as commissioner to ensure that justice is served and those responsible for this heinous act are held accountable.”

When contacted, Luka Chierey Riek, the commissioner of Mayom County in Unity State, said he he had alerted his Gogrial East County counterpart of a looming criminals attack prior to the incident.

Mr. Chierey said the country authorities will round up the criminals involved in the cross-border crimes.

“We are in one line, in attempt to be different from the past years. We have to surround those criminals and they will not touch anything that belongs to our people,” he said.

“Not even in Gogrial East or all the counties that have borders with Mayom. When we heard that criminals are assembling themselves, I called him (Gogrial East Commissioner).”

“I told him that people (in Gogrial East) must take extra care, because there are criminals, and cattle are supposed to be taken in the sides of swamp areas, the army and police should be in military preparedness because those criminals are still there.”