Five people feared dead, dozens injured as Murle armed men attack Lou Nuer in Akobo

January 17, 2020 Newsbeat

A South Sudanese man guarding his cattle(Photo credit: unknown)

January 17th, 2020 (SSNN)—Heavy clashes have been reported in Akobo after a group of armed men from the Murle community reportedly carried out a vicious attack on the Lou Nuer’s villages in Akoba and other surrounding areas, killing five people and wounding dozens, the Minister of Information for Bieh State, John Daniel Bol said on Friday.

“Large scale attack launched by Murle armed men on Central Akobo county’s headquarters, Buong, claiming innocent lives of five people.

“The attack took place at round 7: am and continued until 10 :am. The attackers were repulsed, with most of the cattle recovered. The authorities of Bieh state received reports last week that numerous Murle armed youth left their home areas for attacks on Bieh,” said the Minister of Information for Bieh State, John Daniel Bol.

Daniel stated that there is an ongoing state of panic that the armed men from the Murle community would launch another attack on various parts of the state after today’s attacks

“There is also fear that there will be another deadly attack to follow in other parts of the state according to these reports. Thus, the county commisioners and brigade commanders must strengthen security in all counties to protect civilians across the state so that they do not live in fear.”

The state officials strongly condemn the incident and call on the relevant authorities in Pibor to put an end to such hostile acts.

“As state authorities, we condemn these acts of Murle armed men and urge the administration in Pibor to bring this to a halt. Last, but not least, we condole the death of the five young men who lost their lives today in the process of defending the county headquarters from total destruction.”

The official further said that Bieh state has been the target of numerous attacks by armed youth from the Murle community since July last year, that sometimes results in the abduction of children, cattle raiding and loss of innocent lives.