Attackers kill at least 60 people in South Sudan cattle raid

Armed attackers have killed at least 60 people in central South Sudan during a cattle raid, according to local officials and media.

Two simultaneous attacks in Tonj North County, Alabek Payam in Warrap State, at around 4:00 am on Sunday morning, resulted in the death of at least 60 people including 15 attackers, according to a local official.

Last year, President Salva Kiir declared a six-month state of emergency in the state after a surge of violent inter-communal cattle raids.

"The senseless act of violence is a direct violation of peace and stability efforts," said Warrap spokesperson William Wol Mayom Bol in a statement on Monday, promising "immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice."

At least 60 people killed: UN media

He said around 50 people were wounded, including 17 transferred to Wau town for treatment, and an unspecified number of cattle had been stolen.

Bol added that the South Sudan People's Defence Force (SSPDF) had been deployed to the affected areas to "restore order, protect civilians, and prevent further retaliatory attacks."

The incident was also reported by the United Nations Radio Miraya, which gave the death toll as "at least 60 people."

It said dozens more were wounded, hundreds of cattle had been stolen, leaving people to flee into the bush.

Paying 'the highest price'

Earlier this month, the head of the UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, expressed concerns over the cycle of communal violence in places such as Warrap.

"Civilians continue to pay the highest price, facing displacement, losing lives, homes and livelihoods as a result of insecurity," she told the UN Security Council.