By Matik Kueth
Unity State authorities have returned 388 stolen cattle to their rightful owners in the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA), following a coordinated recovery operation led by the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF).
The cattle had been seized from an armed group suspected to be from Rubkona County, who conducted a raid on April 23 at the Athoony cattle camp in Aliny County, just five kilometers from Rubkona.
According to a statement from Unity State Information Minister Gatwech Biphal, the recovery operation was carried out under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Puljang Top, commander of the SSPDF’s Fourth Infantry Division.
“The Unity State government is pleased to announce the peaceful return of 388 cattle to the RAA,” Biphal said. “In a two-phase operation, 100 cows were recovered in the morning by forces under Major General Pul Jang Top, followed by 288 more in the afternoon under the command of Major General Kuol Tap.”
The cattle were officially handed over to their owners at 5:00 PM in Lapapam, about five kilometers from Rotriak Town in Rubkona County. Biphal described the handover as a critical move toward improving intercommunal relations.
“This marks an important step in strengthening peace, trust, and cooperation between Unity State and the Ruweng Administrative Area,” he added.
Minister Biphal reaffirmed the Unity State government’s dedication to sustaining peace and stability in the region, stating, “The future of Unity State and Ruweng are deeply connected. Promoting peace remains a top priority for our leadership and communities.”
However, Ruweng Information Minister Simon Chol confirmed the attack resulted in casualties and significant losses. He said two people were killed, six others—including an SSPDF captain—were wounded, and over 500 cattle were initially taken during the raid, which also targeted a military outpost.
“They attacked both the cattle camp and the SSPDF garrison,” Chol told King Media. “A captain was killed, along with one youth, and six others were injured—five in combat, and a teenage boy who was hurt while fleeing the violence.”
Chol confirmed that with the help of the SSPDF’s Division Four, local youth from Aliny County managed to recover part of the stolen herd by late afternoon.
Efforts to recover the remaining cattle and bring the attackers to justice are reportedly ongoing.