By Matik Kueth
A deadly midnight raid in Pan-Lou has left three civilians dead, six wounded, and over a thousand cattle stolen, in what authorities in the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) are calling a “barbaric act” by suspected armed youth from neighboring Unity State.
In a statement, Monylang Minyiel Thowel, RAA’s Minister for Agriculture and Acting Minister for Information, Culture, Youth, and Sport, noted that the attack, which occurred around midnight, the armed youth walked away with more than 1,000 cattle.
“The incident took place at midnight in the area of Pan-Lou within the Parieng municipality, where they raided several cattle, estimated to be over 1,000 herds of cattle,” Thowel stated.
“After several fierce clashes, three persons were killed on the side of the cattle’s owner, while six were wounded,” he confirmed.
He said the local youth and the SSPDF in the area were able to recover a few cows though the largest number was taken.
“The youth successfully managed to recover a number of cattle, while the rest of cattle are still being pursued,” he said.
Thowel alleged that eight of the attackers were identified as members of the fourth Infantry Division.
“It’s sad to declare that among the raiders eight were elements from Division 4,” Thowel stated, suggesting complicity from within national security forces.
He condemned the attack, characterizing it as an effort “engineered by the enemies of peace to destabilize the RAA.”
However, when contacted by King Media, Unity State’s Information Minister, Gatwech Biphal, stated that the state administration was aware of the incident and that the SSPDF had already pursued the assailants.
“Yes, we were informed about that incident and the government of Unity State has already dispatched some forces after the assailants and they are still pursuing them,” he stressed.
Cattle raids between Ruweng and Unity State have been occurring, with armed youth engaging in numerous cattle raids.
In April, armed youth from Mayom County attacked and seized control of Abiemnom town, the capital of Abiemnom County, after trading blames over cattle raids.
After the event, President Kiir urged the newly appointed Ruweng Chief Administrator, Stephano Wieu Mialek, to restore peace between Ruweng and Unity State, but cattle raids continue.
This latest incident adds to the growing tension between communities in the border regions of Ruweng and Unity states, raising fears of renewed inter-communal violence if not swiftly addressed through dialogue.