The conflict involved Luanyjang cattle herders from Warrap State and Pakam youth from Lakes State. Lakes State police spokesperson, Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, informed Sudans Post on Thursday that the clashes erupted around 11:00 AM in Alor Payam, Rumbek North County.

“There were clashes between cattle keepers from Luanyjang in Warrap State and youth from Pakam in Lakes State yesterday. The fighting started around 11:00 AM. They clashed in Alor Payam, Rumbek North,” said Mabor.

Mabor confirmed that the violence resulted in the deaths of 17 youths from Pakam, Lakes State, but said the toll increased to 19 after two others succumbed to injuries.

“This morning, we received information about casualties reaching 19 people killed and 35 injured. We are still following up for any further information,” he said. 

He reported that the situation calmed down after security forces intervened. 

“The security situation has returned to normal, and it is calm. There is fear, but there is no indication of further clashes.”

Meanwhile Warrap State Information Minister William Wol Mayom claimed that the incident was a coordinated attack by Pakam and Gok youth in Lakes State and Panyijiar County youth in neighboring Unity State.

“We received comprehensive information this morning that the clashes involved an attack emanating from Pakam in Rumbek North County, Gok-Tooch in Cuibet County of Lakes State, and Nuer Adol in Panyijar County of Unity State,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that “The attack led to the killing of 19 innocent civilians and the injuring of 17.” 

Wol urged the governments of Lakes State and Unity State to cooperate swiftly with the government of Warrap State to identify and prosecute the perpetrators. Sudans Post