At least six Wildlife rangers, five raiders and one soldier are confirmed dead and three people wounded in a violent cattle raid in Napeyasa Boma, Losite Payam of Ikwoto County, Eastern Equatoria state.
The attack on Saturday happened about two kilometres from the venue where Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong Lojore was holding meeting with the Bira community, Radio Emmanuel reported.The attack interrupted the meeting aimed at finding the factors affecting the Bira people and sharing visions of the state Government.
Wildlife personnel, who were at the meeting with Governor Lobong, attempted to avert the cattle raid but were ambushed by the raiders.
The gunfire exchange lasted for almost half an hour.
The Eastern Equatoria Government condemned the attack by Budi County people against Ikwotos County.
The Government re-affirmed its commitment to bring the suspects to court.
It warned the culprits to return immediately guns taken from the killed officers and the cattle raided from Bira.
The state government has also ordered the payment of 665 cattle as compensation for the victims.