Deadly Attack in Yirol East, Rumbek Centre Leaves 9 Dead

By Awan Achiek

At least nine people were killed and nine others injured in an attack carried out by suspected armed men from Panyijar County in Unity State. The incident occurred in Yirol East County and Rumbek Centre in Lakes State, according to a local official.

An unknown number of cows were also stolen during the attack.

William Koji Kerjok, acting minister of information and communication in Lakes State, alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected armed youth from Unity State.

“They attacked yesterday (Tuesday), killing five people from Yirol East County. A significant number of cattle were raided; the exact figure is not yet known, but it is considerable. Around five people were also injured,” Koji told Dawn on Wednesday.

“Not only that, they also killed four people from Amongpiny Payam of Rumbek Centre on the same day. From that incident, four people were injured, including two members of the organised forces,” he said.

Koji urged the authorities in Unity State to prevent their youth from launching attacks on Lakes State.

“The attacks have been ongoing for the past two months. We are asking the Unity government to try to control these individuals from coming into Lakes State or launching attacks,” he said.

He condemned the attack, which resulted in deaths and injuries among soldiers.

“The number of attackers in Yirol East yesterday was quite large. We are saying that as they retreat, they take with them a considerable number of raided cattle, along with the people they have killed,” he said.

He urged the Unity State government to trace the attackers, recover the stolen cattle, and return them to Lakes State.

“They should establish proper security measures so that they can effectively apprehend these individuals, and all the stolen cattle can be returned to their rightful owners,” he stated.

He revealed that organised forces are currently on the ground pursuing the attackers.

“Many people have died, including members of the organised forces and local citizens, with some even killed in their own homes,” he said.

He noted that last week, armed youth from Unity State attacked and killed a man and his wife in Yirol East.

“They are scattered everywhere, terrorising Lakes State, and the Lakes State government is condemning this violence.”