Armed men are seen holding rifles in a conflict zone - courtesy

The Unity State government has rejected claims that its people were behind a deadly cattle raid in Tonj North County, Warrap State, that left 49 people dead and more than 30 others wounded. Warrap authorities, however, insist some attackers have been identified among the dead.

In a statement, Unity State Minister of Information Nyakenya Johannes Keah expressed concern over what she called the “misleading attribution” of the violence to communities in Unity State.

She said the incident should be treated as a local community conflict.

Nyakenya also warned that blaming an entire state or community could further fuel tensions between Unity and Warrap.

However, Warrap State authorities insist that attackers have been identified among the dead.

Warrap State Minister of Information William Wol Mayom said the state government’s account was based on information verified from the ground.

“First of all, our statement is based on verified information from the ground. Local authorities have identified 21 bodies at the site of the attackers in Machar Cattle Camp. The identities of those killed are different from those of the people from Warrap, as already established on the ground,” he said.

“That is the first piece of evidence. The other evidence comes from people who were killed on the spot during the fighting. The injuries and marks on their foreheads are clear evidence that cannot be dismissed,” he explained.

“There are also reports from the Commissioner of Mayom County confirming that people were killed in the area. What makes the Unity State community mourn if they are not mourning their own people? Could families from Unity State mourn the deaths of people from Warrap?” he asked.

Mayom called on the two state governments to strengthen cooperation and verify information before issuing public statements.

He also urged Unity and Warrap authorities to work together to prevent further violence along their shared border.