Warrap government says 60 killed in Tonj North intercommunal violence

The Warrap State government says 60 people were killed and 50 others wounded in separate attacks in Tonj North County on Sunday, August 9.

According to a statement from the state Ministry of Information, the first attack occurred at about 4 a.m. in Ariéc cattle camp, where 37 people from the Pan-Ariik community were reportedly killed.

The government says a separate suspected coordinated attack targeted Pan-Ariik sub-clans of Apuk in Akok Payam, leaving another 11 people dead.

The statement says 17 of the wounded have been transferred to Wau for specialised treatment, while others are receiving care at Athieng-puol Primary Health Care Unit.

The state government condemned the attacks, describing them as a “brutal attack” that resulted in the loss of lives and the looting of property and livestock.

It also described the violence as “a direct violation of peace and stability efforts in the region.”

The government says security forces have been ordered to deploy immediately to the affected areas to restore order, protect civilians and prevent further retaliatory attacks.

The statement says authorities in Warrap and neighbouring Unity State will take action to bring those responsible to justice.

“Our hearts pour out to the families who lost loved ones, and we stand in solidarity with the affected community during this difficult time,” the statement said.