At least 41 people, including women and children, were killed in an attack on a cattle camp in South Sudan last week, a local official confirmed on Monday. The assault, which took place in Nyolo village in Eastern Equatoria state early Friday morning, also left 65 others wounded, with several individuals still missing.
Describing the incident as a “cold-blooded massacre targeting unarmed civilians,” the official statement warned of escalating violence in the region. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) expressed deep concern over the growing conflict between cattle herders and settled farming communities, which has fueled unrest and forced many residents to flee their homes.
The attack reportedly triggered retaliatory clashes in nearby villages, heightening fears of further violence. In response, UNMISS announced plans to deploy peacekeepers to the affected areas to help restore stability.
Previous Deadly Clashes
Similar attacks have been recurring in South Sudan, where disputes over land and resources often turn violent. In November, 22 people were killed in an assault on cattle herders in the neighboring Central Equatoria state.
South Sudan, the world’s youngest nation, gained independence from Sudan in 2011 but continues to grapple with intercommunal conflicts and security challenges.