Attack in South Sudan kills 72 and wounds 38
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Eyeradio
A coordinated attack on Akop Payam, in Tonj North County, South Sudan, killed 72 people and wounded 38, according to the Warrap State government. It said the victims included 50 people from the attackers’ side and 22 from the targeted side, and also reported cattle raids and the burning of markets and homes.
A coordinated attack on Akop Payam, in Tonj North County, South Sudan, killed at least 72 people and wounded 38, according to the Warrap State government in a statement dated 26 October. Fifty of those killed belonged to the attackers’ side and 22 to the targeted side, the state administration said.
The government accused armed groups from Mayom County in neighbouring Unity State, as well as sub-sections of Alabek Payam. It also reported cattle raids in Majak-kou and the burning of two markets and homes in villages in Akop Payam.
Warrap authorities ordered the rapid deployment of security forces and the transfer of the wounded to healthcare facilities. Warrap and Unity have begun discussions to recover the cattle and identify those responsible, according to the Warrap government, led by acting governor Ustaz Angelo Ngot Mayar.
The administration linked the violence to a cycle of reprisals in the region and cited the targeted killing of eight civilians, including a young girl, on 24 October in Mading-Juer. It called for calm and asked humanitarian organisations to assist women, children and older people left without food, medicine or shelter.
