At least
three people are reportedly killed in a series of cattle raids in Tonj North,
Warrap State.
The county chief
inspector of police said the attacks started on Monday and continued until Wednesday.
Col. Bak Anei
Ayiei disclosed that the raids occurred between the Noi and Leer sections in
Awuol and Kirik Payams.
“One person
was killed from the Leer side and two others from the Noi section,” he told Mayardit FM on
Wednesday, adding that several cattle were raided.
Col. Ayiei believed
that the Noi armed youth exacted revenge after suspected armed men from Leer
raided their cattle.
When asked
why the county government has been unable to stop the clashes, the police
officer blamed it on the lack of authority of the new commissioner since he hasn’t
taken the oath of office.
“We cannot be
able to get there because the commissioner was appointed recently and is not
sworn in yet,” he claimed.
Generally, the
state has been experiencing similar attacks, particularly in greater Gogrial
and Tonj.
Various studies
have found out that one of the causes of cattle rustling and banditry menace is
ungoverned space, which serves as hideouts for the criminals.
Others are weak security systems, porosity of the borders, and proliferation of arms. Officials say the youth, locally known as gelweng, are more heavily armed than the police.
In addition,
they suggest that youth raid animals to meet pride price demands.