13 killed in deadly cattle raid in Duk County
Children and women are among the 13 people killed in Wednesday’s attack in Duk County of South Sudan’s restive Jonglei State.
Bol Deng Bol, Chairperson for Jonglei Civil Society Network, confirmed that three women and two children were among dozens killed in the Duk Padiet cattle camp by suspected youth from the Murle community.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) at around 12 P.M, armed elements believed to have come from Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) invaded Duk County of Jonglei and launched a deadly raid on Duk Padiet cattle camp,” Bol said in a statement seen by Juba Echo on Thursday.
It disclosed that several civilians escaped the attackers Murle who opened fire randomly and also torched property.
Deng added that the armed attackers’ had also raided an undisclosed number of cattle before they were recovered by Duk youth after three hours of gunfire.
“I condemn this monstrous act against the people of Jonglei State and humbly convey our condolences to families of the victims,” he said.
Deng urged the state authorities of Jonglei and Pibor to apprehend criminals behind the attack.
“It is worth mentioning that protection of the people, and their resources are the prime responsibility of the government,” he said.
“It is only when a country is in a state of anarchy that citizens are expected to take up arms and invade neighbours and also protect themselves in case of revenge,” added Deng.
On 25th January this year, 32 people including four children were killed by suspected armed Murle youth in Baidit Payam of Jonglei State.
