Four people killed in Unity state cattle raid

By Bonifacio Taban Kuich

August 28, 2012 (BENTIU) – Unknown raiders attacked Tuochdol village in Payinjiar county, Unity state on Sunday, leaving four dead, five seriously injured and taking with them 400 cattle, according to state authorities.

Confirming the attack, area commissioner Peter Gai Joak, told Sudan Tribune on Tuesday that the raiders are suspected to have come from neighbouring Lake State.

He added that it was the first time they had experienced such violence for the last six months as their had been peace between Rumbek East and Rumbek north counties. He explained that the attack had once again increased regional tensions.

According to Joak he contacted Lakes state authorities asking for the Rumbek East commissioner work on tracking dow the raiders.

There is a long history of cattle raiding between members of the Nuer and Dinka ethnic groups. With an influx of marriageable males as returnees to South Sudan after secession in 2011 and a deficit in cattle due to unfavourable weather conditions, cattle prices are high. In the traditions of both ethnic groups, cattle are expected as a bride price. This has led some youths to cattle-raiding, according to Joak, who urged them to find employment and buy the cattle.

Cattle-raiding and inter-ethnic conflict are serious problems in South Sudan.

During the December 2011 – January 2012 period alone 3,00 people were killed in ethnic conflict in Jonglei.

(ST)