Over 70 Killed, 38 Wounded in Deadly Attack in Akop Payam

By Jenifer James

At least 72 people were killed and 38 others wounded in an attack that lasted from Monday morning until late evening in Akop Payam, Tonj North County, Warrap State, a senior state official has confirmed.

Caretaker Information Minister William Wol Mayom Bol condemned the coordinated violence, which allegedly involved armed groups from Mayom County in neighboring Unity State and parts of Alabek Payam.

In a statement seen by The Dawn Newspaper, Mayom said the Warrap State Government strongly condemned the attack, which left 72 people dead and 38 others wounded.

According to the minister, 50 of the deceased were from the attackers’ side, while 22 were members of the affected community.

The statement also reported that two women were among the victims but did not clarify whether they were among those killed or wounded.

Mayom said an unspecified number of cattle had been raided from the Majak-Kou cattle camp. He added that two major markets in Athieng-Puol and Rual-Malith, along with several houses in villages across Akop Payam, had been deliberately set ablaze.

“The State Government, under the leadership of Hon. Ustaz Angelo Ngot Mayar, strongly condemns this coordinated attack,” Mayom said.

He expressed concern over the recurring violence and revenge killings involving armed groups from Mayom County and communities in Alabek and Akop payams, particularly those affecting the Pan-Ariik and Pan-Mawien sub-clans.

According to Mayom, the cycle of violence has also affected other areas in Alabek and Majak payams.

He cited a separate incident on October 24, 2026, in Mading-Juer, where eight civilians, including a girl, were reportedly killed in a targeted attack linked to ongoing revenge killings.

Mayom said Caretaker Governor Angelo Ngot Mayar and the state government had extended condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He added that security forces had been directed to deploy swiftly to Akop Payam to support efforts to provide medical treatment to the wounded.

The minister urged communities to remain calm and exercise restraint to prevent further violence.

He said the governments of Warrap and Unity states were establishing communication channels to facilitate the recovery of the raided cattle, identify those responsible for the attack, and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mayom also appealed to humanitarian organizations and well-wishers to assist the affected population, saying the violence had left vulnerable women, children, and elderly people without adequate food, medicine, and shelter.