Over 30 people killed, 21 wounded in Bor attack

At least 32 people have been confirmed dead and 21 others wounded in Jonglei State’s Baidit Payam, Bor County, following an attack in Dungurut, Baidit Payam on Sunday evening at around 4:00 pm.

The state minister of information, Veronica Williams, confirmed the incident saying the bandits had taken cattle but left heavy casualties. She did not confirm the right figure because they were still combing for more bodies.

She said the incident happened yesterday evening and stressed that the state surely craves peace within itself and with its neighbours. She promised the government’s efforts to make sure that the security in the state remains stable.

Mabior Madit Mabior who works at the emergency department of Bor State Hospital said the number of the people who were wounded was around 21 while the deceased were over 30.

Bol Deng Bol, the newly elected Chairperson of Jonglei Civil Society Network (JCSN) and the Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan said they have not yet reported anything because the actual number is not clear since the committee was sent to get details of the casualties had not yet returned.

He said that the numbers being shared on Facebook might be misleading since the search is ongoing and could range from 32-37, according to sources on the ground.

“The number is yet to be established because the committee sent to find out the actual casualties has not yet returned. But those who are reporting on Facebook just pick any number and post it instead of waiting for the actual number from the committee,” he said.

The state police commissioner Maj. Gen. Joseph Mayen Akoon could not be reached in order to comment on the incident and the actual number. However, sources blamed the attacks on the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) youth.

External attacks

Jonglei state had been experiencing numerous attacks from external aggressors leaving masses deceased and leading to loss of major sources of livelihood.

In late December 2021, five deaths were recorded during the Christmas season including ambushes in Yuai, Duk Padiet and Bor (Gemeza). Most of these attacks were cattle raids.

In early December 2021, the governor of Jonglei State Denay Jock Chagor reported that 34 people were killed in November alone.

In 2009, 43 were killed and 60 others injured in Twic East County and it was also blamed on GPAA cattle raiders.

In 2012, clashes between Lou Nuer and Murle also left over 50 dead. But no lasting solution has so far been devised, since attacks keep on perpetuating.