Night raid in Tonj East leaves 13 dead, dozens of cattle stolen

KUAJOK – At least 13 people have been killed and seven others injured following a cattle raid in Tonj East County of Warrap State on Sunday night, according to the state’s Minister of Information.

Speaking to the local radio station Mayardit FM, Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Baath Marol said the attack occurred late at night while residents were asleep at a cattle camp.

According to Baath, the assailants launched a surprise attack on local cattle owners, opening fire indiscriminately and killing several people, including women and children.

“The incident occurred on Sunday night. Those killed in the attack include children and women who were living in the cattle camp,” Baath said. “The attackers shot indiscriminately, killing 13 people and injuring seven others.”

He added that the attackers fled the scene with an unspecified number of cattle. However, community members later pursued them, leading to a confrontation during which more than 2,000 of the stolen cattle were reportedly recovered.

Baath said the suspected attackers are believed to have come from neighbouring communities in the Luany-jang area of Tonj East County, though he did not provide specific details regarding their identities.

He warned that authorities would pursue those responsible and ensure they are held accountable. “Those responsible for this attack will be brought to book if they are caught,” he said.

Cattle raids have remained a persistent security challenge in Warrap State, often involving armed youth from neighbouring communities competing over livestock.

The recurring violence has frequently resulted in deaths, displacement, and the loss of large numbers of cattle, which remain a central part of livelihoods and wealth in the region.

Authorities in the state have previously attempted reconciliation initiatives among the communities involved in the raids. However, these efforts have largely failed to stop the cycles of retaliatory attacks.

The situation has been further complicated by the widespread proliferation of small arms, with many attackers reportedly acquiring weapons through illegal cross-border smuggling networks.

Despite the government declaring a state of emergency in parts of Warrap State in recent years to curb the violence, cattle raids and communal clashes continue to occur.

Observers say the continued insecurity raises concerns about the government’s ability to address longstanding communal conflicts, particularly as the country prepares for general elections scheduled for 2026.

Some analysts argue that unresolved local conflicts and the widespread availability of weapons could pose significant challenges to stability in the lead-up to the polls.