Juba, January 8, 2019 (SSNA) — A group of heavily armed Murle tribesmen have carried out a deadly cattle raid in Bieh State on Monday, killing at least 25 people and wounded 53 others, the Bieh State’s armed opposition information secretary John Daniel Bol said. John says the incident is “politically motivated.”
In a statement, John explained that armed men from Boma State launched surprised attacks in Duachan and Kuolabiel, killing innocent civilians most of whom are women and children. He also added that at least 6000 cattle were taken by the armed men. The rebel secretary states Bieh State leadership condemns what he described as “barbaric and cowardice act.”
“Bieh state leadership deeply condemned this barbaric and cowardice act of the anti-peace elements of Boma State in the biggest term possible and urge the International communities and all the peace-loving partners to hold Boma State leadership accountable for this motivated political incident,” he says.
The leadership of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Bieh State told the South Sudan News Agency (SSNA) that the number of deaths could rise because there are currently more than 42 people in critical conditions.