Co-ordinated cattle raids kill at least 72 people in South Sudan

At least 72 people have been killed during cattle raids in South Sudan's northern Warrap state, according to the regional government.

An unspecified number of cattle were taken and homes burnt during what was a "co-ordinated attack" on Monday involving two communities in Tonj North county, the state authorities said.

Such deadly violence is often part of a cycle of revenge attacks as cattle are a main source of wealth and pride for many communities and are also important as young men need them as dowries to get married.

The clashes occurred near the border of Warrap and Unity states in the area of Akop Payam, with some members from Lou Ariik community said to have attacked those from Apuk Padoch community.

William Wol Mayom Bol, Warrap state's information minister, said they followed deadly violence last Friday that claimed eight lives.

The state governor, Angelo Ngot Mayar, sent his condolences to bereaved families and directed security agencies to evacuate the wounded.

He said efforts were under way recover the cattle and find those behind the assault.

The state has also appealed to humanitarian partners to support vulnerable women, children and elderly left without food, shelter and medicine.

Kaynak: BBC News World RSS (Açık Basın / Haber Servisi)