Four people were killed and six others injured when suspected youth attacked military base in Twic County, Warrap State, on Sunday, an official has said.
“The cattle raiders are of two teams which include Abyei armed youth and armed youth from Mayom County,” said John Mabior, acting county commissioner.
“They were confronted by soldiers in the base. They fought till the suspected armed youth from both communities of Abyei and Nuer ran back to [where they came from].”
The victims of the fighting, which occurred at Madou boma in Turalei payam, include a 10-year-old child and two soldiers.
Mabior said SSPDF soldiers killed are sergeant Dhel Deng Dhel and Corporal Thiep Adim, while the civilians killed are Mam Ater (child) and Garang Ajang.
He also identified the wounded as 1st Lt Garang Kawaj Kawaj and Line corporal Luil Bol, Abak Magok Akok and Mayot Nuol Mayot and Nyuol Deng Nyuol.
Mabior added that some of the injured have been transferred to Wau and Aweil for treatment.
For his part, Abyei Security Advisor, Kelek Kon Lual, confirmed that they are aware of some armed youth from Abyei attacked and 70 raided herds of cattle in Madou.
However, he said it is difficult to identify and bring to book the youth who engage in cattle rustling there.
“It will be difficult for us to investigate the incident because armed youth attack and hide in the forest. So, if they were known to have committed crime, then we would arrest them,” Kon added.