By Ajah Jennifer

The Coordinator of Community Empowerment for Progress Organization in Lakes State, Daniel Laat has condemned the recent deadly attack on Amethic cattle camp in Lakes State, and urged the government to take swift action to prevent further violence.

The attack occurred early Sunday when armed youths suspected to be from Panyijiar and Mayendit counties in neighboring Unity State launched a deadly raid on the Amethic cattle camp in Rumbek North County.

Local authorities said 12 people have been killed and 17 severely injured. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately while residents were asleep and also looted an unspecified number of cattle.

Mr. Laat called on the government to intervene and prevent the situation from escalating any further.

 “We’ve been asking the government to deploy forces along the border to protect civilians and support peace,” he expressed

Victims of the attack were mainly vulnerable groups, including women, children, and the elderly, deepening concerns over the deteriorating security situation along the border between Lakes and Unity states.

Search parties have been mobilized in pursuit of the attackers to recover stolen livestock.

The attack comes after Vice President Taban Deng Gai visited his home state, where he called for an end to cattle and the adoption of peaceful coexistence among neighboring communities.

In his first address to the residents in Unity State, Taban highlighted historical grievances and ongoing disputes between local communities, including the Bul, Leek, and Jikany Nuer groups, urging them to resolve conflicts through legal channels rather than violence.

Taban accused politicians of exploiting ethnic divisions for personal gain, calling on communities to reject such tactics.

“These politicians are on both sides, and you must refuse their divisive politics,” he said.

However, Panyijiar County Commissioner Majok Bol said the raid by armed youth from his county was distant from the community, calling them “criminals” and promising to return stolen cattle once recovered.