Three killed in Lakes state inter-state border raid

May 24, 2016 (RUMBEK) – At least three people were killed and two others sustained injuries in a revenge attack that occurred in Rumbek North county of Western Lakes state.

Officials say pastoralists from Tonj state crossed into Rumbek North county border and raided cattle, a move that provoked Rumbek North youth to raid Tonj state.

The two state governments have deployed security forces along suspect routes as a mechanism to avoid future raids.

Western Lakes state minister for local government and law enforcement, Benjamin Makuer confirmed the incident, but said security had been beefed along the borders.

“Our commissioner in Rumbek North [county] is implementing the order, he has so far collected 101 cows that were identified to be from Tonj state, which were raided by youth from Rumbek North [county]”, said Makuer.

“We shall make sure all cows are returned to Tonj,” he added.

Tonj state governor, Akec Tong Aleu had also instructed county commissioners bordering Western Lakes state to identity the cows raided from Rumbek to be collected and returned back to their rightful owners within two weeks.

(ST)