By Makur Adut

At least six people were killed and nine others wounded in cattle raid in Rumbek Central, Lakes State.

Lakes State police spokesman, Major Elijah Mabor Makuac, stated that the incident happened on Wednesday, January 1, involving an armed clash between youth from Cueibet County and Rumbek Central County.

“According to the information we received, the fighting was triggered by some armed criminals who stole five cows at a place called Bal-wau early in the morning at around 3am. The cattle owners then followed the footmarks of the animals up to an area called makuek and akur-deu,” the police spokesman narrated.

“After he closed in on the criminals, fighting erupted between his camp and the criminals, until the owners managed to recover three herds of cattle. The criminals managed to escape with two cows. The owners followed, and the fight escalated to Gurmaar in a village called Kabur William.”

Major Makuac said the fighting was later contained by the security forces and traditional leaders. The wounded were taken to hospital for treatment.

“Those that were wounded from Cueibet County were taken to Cueibet primary health care (PHC) for medications, while from the Rumbek Central County were evacuated to Rumbek State hospital for treatment,” he said. “Until now, the security forces are still investigating the incident to identify the ring leaders responsible for the conflict. They will be arrested and justice will be served.”

The police spokesperson said commissioners from both counties involved in the clashes went to the ground to follow up as investigations continue.

Meanwhile, Daniel Laat Kon, the coordinator for Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State expressed his regret that the incident was happening just few moments after a related case of cattle raid between Gok of Cuibeit County and Rup of Rumbek Central County, which claimed close to seven lives, happened.

“It is very unfortunate that this incident is happening not too long after a related one at Aliet cattle camp, where lives were lost,” he said, adding that the escalating incidents were a clear indication that the peace initiatives among the communities have not yielded tangible fruits.

“As CEPO, we condemn this in the strongest terms possible. We don’t want to see this situation continue. We are calling for both communities to embrace dialogue to address these issues.”

Laat warned that if the government does not intervene and address the issues, the situation will escalate beyond measure.