Arop Jonchol
Warrap – Local Media Reports
At least 15 people were killed and 16 others injured on Thursday during fierce inter-communal clashes in Tonj South County, Warrap State, according to local officials.
Tonj South County Commissioner, Ring Deng Ading, confirmed that the deadly attack in the Manyangok area involved four communities and resulted in the deaths of no fewer than 15 people and injuries to 16 others.
“Yes, it’s true. It happened this morning around 4 a.m. Three communities attacked one. So far, 15 deaths have been confirmed on both sides, and 16 others have been injured,” Ading told the media.
He revealed that the clashes involved communities from Abuk Garweer, Yar Ayiei, and Mok from Theet, Mabior Yar, and Malual Mok, who attacked the Thony community in Manyangok.
Ading stated that livestock was the only property looted during the incident and that the situation remains tense despite the deployment of military forces to quell the violence.
He added that several homes were burned down in villages such as Ayigak, Atum, Ajigwel, Jour, Onkech, Adama, Manyiet, and Lingir across the Manyangok area.
“The motive behind this conflict is cattle raiding and revenge attacks. Some cattle were stolen in December last year and January this year, and these communities have not stopped fighting — they continue to retaliate,” Ading explained.
Commissioner Ading announced that Warrap State Governor, General Majok Majok Deng, has dispatched 150 soldiers to help suppress the ongoing violence in Tonj South. He added that the governor had also formed a committee to facilitate reconciliation between the communities.
Ading urged the people of Tonj South to stop the fighting and focus on farming, stressing that hunger is the common enemy they must unite against.
“I appeal to the national government to save these people, provide assistance, and deploy more troops. The state must also support the local authorities in Tonj South and help bring communities together,” he said.
