At least 72 people have been killed and 38 wounded in intercommunal violence in Akop Payam, Tonj North County, Warrap State, according to the state government.
In a statement dated October 26, the government said the attack involved armed elements from Mayom County in neighbouring Unity State and sub-sections of Alabek Payam, leaving casualties on both sides.
According to the statement, 50 of those killed were reportedly from the attacking side, while 22 were from the community targeted in the attack.
The state government, led by Caretaker Governor Ustaz Angelo Ngot Mayar, condemned the violence and expressed concern over the reported involvement of armed groups in intercommunal clashes.
Authorities also reported cattle raids at Majak-kou cattle camp, the burning of markets in Athieng-puol and Rual-malith, and the destruction of several households in Akop Payam.
The government linked the latest violence to a wider cycle of retaliatory attacks, including the reported killing of eight civilians, among them a girl, in Mading-Juer on October 24.
In response, the state government said security forces had been directed to deploy rapidly to Akop Payam and arrange medical transfers for the wounded.
Warrap and Unity state authorities were also communicating to facilitate the recovery of the raided cattle and identify those responsible for the violence.
The government appealed for calm and restraint, urging residents to avoid further retaliatory attacks as efforts to address the situation continue.
It also called on humanitarian organisations and well-wishers to assist affected communities, particularly women, children and elderly people reportedly facing shortages of food, medicine and shelter.
The statement was signed by William Wol Mayom Bol, Caretaker Minister of Information and Communication Services in Warrap State.
The reported death toll and circumstances of the attack have not been independently verified.
The statement did not include a response from Unity State authorities or representatives of the communities accused of involvement.
