At least 16 people were killed and 48 others wounded during two days of cattle raids between Luacjang and four sections of the Rek community in Tonj East last weekend.

According to area authorities, the clashes started on Sunday when a group of youth from the Adoor section of the Rek community went to raid cattle from the Luacjang community. This was in response to a raid by Luacjang earlier in the year.

The following day, on Monday, Luacjang youth followed the raiders and clashed yet again. They did not manage to recover the stolen cattle but incurred losses.

Mabior Adeel, the Executive Director of Luacjang South told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that six people died and 27 others were injured from the Luacjang side, and 10 people died while 21 others sustained injuries from the Rek community.

“Those who died on both sides, 16 people were confirmed dead and 48 people were wounded,” Adeel said.

The local leader said the fighting was between Adoor, Baac, Thiik, and Akok sections of the Rek community against the Luacjang community. He said the government is yet to act after the incident.

For his part, Awan Makuoch, the Secretary-General of Warrap State also confirmed the clashes, saying the state government has directed the Security Committee in the area to diffuse tensions.