One killed, scores injured during cattle raid in Cueibet County

By Awan Achiek

At least one person has been confirmed killed and scores injured on Saturday during cattle raiding in Abiriu Payam of Cueibet County of Lakes State.

Juol Nhomngek Daniel, the MP representing Cueibet County in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly on the opposition ticket, said the attackers are armed youths from Rumbek Centre of Lakes State.

“The aim of the attack was to raid the cattle camp with the ultimate goal of stealing cows in Aliet cattle camp in Abiriu Payam in Cueibet County,” Nhomngek said in a statement seen by the Dawn.

He said that when the attackers were stopped by Cueibet youth who were looking after their cows, the attackers opened gunfire on them, killing one person in Aliet Cattle Camp.

“In the process of stopping cattle raiders, one youth was killed by attackers, and several people were wounded on the side of Cueibet County. The tension is still high as I write these updates,” Nhomngek said.

He condemned the attacks in the strongest terms possible amid the high tension in the county.

“I would like to call upon the youth of Cueibet County to observe peace. We must not entertain revenge as a means of getting justice. The government is closely following the incident, and those who attacked the people of Cueibet County will be brought to book,” Nhomngek said.

Legislator called upon the government of Lakes State to immediately intervene to contain the conflicts and restore peace, adding that the State has been credited for peace and should maintain the pride.

“Nonetheless, I call upon the government of Lakes State to review the gaps that are making it possible for individual youth to engage in criminal activities like cattle raiding and killings of human beings,” he said.

While promising to monitor the situation and keep the public updated, Nhomngek  stressed the need to maintain peace among communities for meaningful development to take place.