SSPDF And Armed Youths Clashed In Lakes State Leaving Two (2) Dead And Three (3) Critically Injured

 

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SSPDF And Armed Youths clashed in Lakes State resulting in the dead of SSPDF soldier and a civilian, and three 3 civilians sustained serious injuries. Local authorities confirmed the incident. 

Hon. William Kirjiok, Acting Information Minister while speaking to the media said that, SSPDF clashed with the arms youths when the soldiers went to recover the cattles raided from Tonj County in Warrap State. 

“The clashes have left 1 civilian dead and 3 injured. Whether they like it or not, those raided cattle must be recovered and returned to the rightful owners. The armed raiders resisted and refused to hand over the stolen cattle to the security forces peacefully so it led to clashes,” he said. “So far 100 head of cattle have been recovered from them and there are still 135 raided cattle missing. Also, some of the cattle of the rustlers, about 600 head of cattle, have been detained by the security forces so that they return the stolen cattle.” Kirjiok said. 

“Several people who were found in the cattle camp have been arrested,” Kirjiok added. 

Warrap State information Minister, Hon. William Wol Mayom said that out of the 135 heads of cattles stolen 100 heads of cattles  have been recovered. 

“I have confirmed from the commissioner of Tonj South County (Warrap State) who is currently in Cueibet County (Lakes State) that 100 head of cattle have been recovered and 135 are still missing,” he said. “During the clashes between the army armed rustlers, 1 soldier was confirmed killed. I do not have information about the civilian casualties. The Lakes State government knows how many civilians have been killed in the confrontation. Our forces are in Cueibet County but were not involved in the fighting.” William said. 

Warrap State information Minister further said that the operation to recover the stolen cattles is still  on course and progressing well. 

Cattle rustling has also been connected to human trafficking. In South Sudanese pastoralist communities, those involved in cattle rustling sometimes abduct young girls who are later raised to be members of these communities and married off to younger warriors.