By Makur Adut

At least 37 herds of cattle were raided and one person injured in Rumbek North of Lakes State on Tuesday.

Lakes State government has urged Unity State to cooperate in addressing the rampant cattle raiding in the area.

Koji Kerjok, the acting Minister of Information in Lakes State, said they suspect the cattle raid in Panhom-achot Boma under Madol Payam in Rumbek North County was conducted by a criminal element from Unity State.

He said the cattle raiders attempted to raid a good number of cattle, but organized forces within the county managed to return most of them.

However, he said the raiders managed to escape with 37 cattle.

At least one person was injured during the raid and is currently undergoing treatment at Rumbek State Hospital.

“The authorities of the two states are working hard to make sure that these criminals are hunted down.”

“I am asking the government of Unity State to double their efforts to stop these criminals from progressing with their acts,” Kerjok said.

He noted that the armed raiders are disturbing the borders of Lakes State, especially areas of Yirol East, Rumbek North, and parts of Rumbek Central County.

He said the government is working hard to ensure the lives of its people and properties are safeguarded.

Laat Kon Ater,  coordinator of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization in Lakes State, called on the State government to deploy forces along the borders to protect civilians and their properties.

“You cannot depend only on civilians to protect themselves from criminals who have intentions to raid cattle, kill, or loot properties,” he said.

The incident is the latest among scores of cattle raids that have involved the neighbouring states.

In June 2023, clashes between suspected armed youths from Panyijiar County of Unity State left two cattle owners dead, four others injured and more than 60 heads of cattle raided in Lakes State.

The armed youth from Panyijiar attacked cattle camps in three counties: Rumbek Central, Rumbek East and Yirol East counties of Lakes State. Meanwhile, six cattle raiders from Panyijiar were killed in the attack.