Lakes State authorities have accused their counterparts in Unity State of not controlling their youths who continue to steal cattle and kill people despite calls from the caretaker Governor for peaceful relations.
Deputy Governor Mabor Achol Kuer said Thursday raiders from Unity attacked and raided cattle camps in Lakes for the eighth time, killing 11 people and stealing nearly 5,000 heads of cattle, Good News Radio reported.The last attack took place on Tuesday leaving four people dead and 13 wounded. Six of them including a woman are in critical condition at Rumbek Civil Hospital.
Mr. Achol said the attacks continued despite recent courtesy visits from the Catetaker Governor Matur Chuot Dhuol in an attempt to control cross-border raids between the two states.
The Deputy Governor said his Unity State counterpart denied that its youths attacked Lakes cattle camps, but the attackers were from within Lakes itself.
Mr Achol said Lakes government is working hard to restore stability and it is not interested in destabilizing its neighbours.
The Deputy Governor presented to the press a man captured during Tuesday’s raid as evidence of Unity attackers.
Marial Ngut, a former sub-chief from Thou Nhom Payam of Panyijar County, said he was abandoned after his group was dispersed by Lakes Gelweng youth.
Ngut said he lost his son in a previous raid and was forced to join raiders in order to get some cattle for his children.
Mr Ngut is alleged to be a member of the Vice President’s extended family.