Armed Attack in Rumbek North Leaves 12 Dead, 17 Injured

By Simon Deng

At least 12 people were killed and 17 others injured in Wuriang Payam of Rumbek North County, Lakes State, on Sunday morning by suspected armed criminals from neighboring Unity State.

William Koji, the Acting Minister of Information and Communication in Lakes State, said that the attackers indiscriminately opened fire on the sleeping residents of the Amethic cattle camp, killing innocent people, including children.

“It happened at around 1:00 a.m., when suspected criminals from Unity State attacked one of the cattle camps in Rumbek North, specifically in Wunrieng Payam. Twelve people were shot dead on the spot,” Koji said in an interview on Sunday.

“Seventeen others were injured in this unfortunate incident. We do not expect the lives of innocent people to be lost at such an hour; among the victims were two girls, two children, and several community members, including heads of households,” he added.

Koji reported that those with minor injuries are currently being treated at Rumbek North County Hospital, while the seriously injured are being transferred to Rumbek Hospital for further treatment.

He also noted that armed criminals have been moving between locations, attacking and killing people along the borders of Unity State, particularly in Amongpiny Payam of Rumbek Center County and Adior Payam of Yirol East County.

Koji revealed that the commissioner of Rumbek North County is actively working with security forces on the ground, and that organized units have been deployed to recover looted cattle and restore normalcy.

“This is a continuation of the criminal activities that jeopardize the lives and property of people along the border of Unity State. The government of Unity State needs to take strong measures to control these criminals and prevent them from moving freely as they wish,” he said.