Jonglei cattle camp attack: nine dead and seven injured
November 29, 2012 (BOR) – At least nine people were confirmed dead and and seven others injured in two attacks on Pamuom and Akoiriar cattle camps at Alian village in Jonglei’s Jale payam [district] on Thursday.
“You know pointing hands to Yau Yau [Murle rebel leaders] will protect these Murle criminals who have been dashing the disarmament. They are the ones and not Yau Yau, I am sure,” said Leek.
Jonglei’s disarmament programme began in March 2011. Members of the civil population have claimed that the programme has ben biased, leaving them prone to cattle raiding attacks by the better-armed Murle.
According to Leek, who visited the hospital, eight people were admitted with injures. He declined to say the number killed, saying the fighting was ongoing.
Member of parliament representing Athoc North constituency 28, Kuol Bol Ayom, said a huge number of cattle had been rustled when they were released for grazing on Thursday morning and that the perpetrators are being pursued.
Samuel Ayuen Garang, from the Alian community, told Sudan Tribune he was there when the attack took place, in which he lost nine cousins.
Ayuen said the attackers set their ambush before the cattle were released for grazing in the morning. The attackers allowed the herders to move with their cattle before surrounding them and opening fire on both the herders and their cattle, killing nine immediately in the two attacks.
Attempts to reach the commissioner of Pibor for his comments failed due to poor network connection.
(ST)