(Kuajok) – A group of armed men has looted 300 head of cattle in Tonj North County of South Sudan’s Warrap State, police confirmed, as intercommunal tensions continue to threaten security and livelihoods in the region.
The raid took place on Wednesday in Abiriu Boma, Rual-bet Payam. According to local police officials, the attackers are believed to have come from Luany-Aguer-Adel in neighbouring Tonj East County.
Speaking to Jakony.com® by phone on Friday, Rual-bet Payam Police Director Ajal Bol Bol explained that the attackers were heavily armed and overpowered the young men guarding the cattle at the time of the raid.
“They launched a violent attack and stole 300 cows. The youth tried to pursue them but could not recover the livestock. The raiders escaped towards Tonj East County,” Bol said.
No injuries or deaths were reported in the attack, but residents have been left shaken by the incident. The theft has added to a growing sense of insecurity in Warrap State, where cattle raids have become frequent and increasingly organised.
Police have urged local residents to remain calm and refrain from retaliatory actions. Bol said the newly appointed state governor is expected to take decisive measures to recover the stolen cattle and work towards resolving the broader problem of cattle raiding.
“The people should remain peaceful and allow the authorities to act. The governor has assured us that this issue will be addressed,” Bol added.
Cattle raids are a longstanding issue in Warrap and surrounding areas, often involving youth from neighbouring counties and states. These raids are commonly driven by economic pressures, cultural traditions, and revenge cycles, making the issue complex and difficult to contain.
Communities in Tonj North and Tonj East have been particularly affected, and there are also regular reports of involvement by youth from Lakes State and Mayom County in Unity State, leading to cross-border raids and growing intercommunal hostilities.
Efforts to contact the Tonj East County Commissioner for comment were unsuccessful due to communication difficulties, leaving questions over the exact identity of the attackers and the response from that jurisdiction.
Cattle remain a key resource in South Sudanese communities, both for economic survival and traditional practices such as dowries, the risk of further raids and cycles of violence remains high. Regional cooperation and community dialogue are widely seen as necessary to prevent the escalation of such incidents.
No monetary value for the stolen cattle has been officially declared, but with one head of cattle in the region typically valued at around 350,000 South Sudanese Pounds (approximately $265 USD at current exchange rates), the total estimated loss exceeds 105 million SSP, or roughly $79,500 USD.
The police have not yet confirmed any arrests related to the incident, and no timeline has been given for a formal recovery operation.
