13 killed, five others injured in Abyei village attack: UNISFA

January 3, 2022 (ABYEI) – 13 people were killed and five others injured when a combined armed group of Nuer and Twic Dinka launched an early morning attack on Rumamier village,15 kilometers south of Abyei Box on Monday, the United Nations Mission in Abyei (UNISFA) said on Tuesday.

At least 27 houses in the village, it said in a statement, were burnt down.

“The attack was coordinated by approximately 200 well-armed herders from the Nuer and Twic Dinka communities, but was however effectively contained due to the vigilance and swift action of UNISFA troops on the ground,” the statement reads in part.

According to UNISFA, its peacekeeping troops are currently patrolling the area to locate the remaining attackers and prevent any further attacks.

“They [troops] are also protecting the Rumamier village and facilitating the return of local civilians who fled their homes. The troops have been put on high alert in the general area where the incident occurred,” it noted.

UNISFA’s Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Brig. General Abu Syed Mohammod Bakir strongly condemned the attack, saying it can only contribute to the tension and chances of renewed violence in the area.

He appealed to all stakeholders to support UNISFA’s peace initiative as a means of easing tension in the area, assuring that the peacekeeping mission is fully committed to the safety and security of people in Abyei area.

Meanwhile, UNISFA said it launched an investigation to uncover the circumstances that led to the attack, adding that troop presence has been enhanced in Rumamier village and area domination patrols are being conducted in neighboring areas to block and seize potential armed groups.

UNISFA was established UN Security Council in 2011 to monitor Abyei border.

(ST)