26/10/2026
🔴 BREAKING: 72 killed, 38 wounded in intercommunal violence in Warrap State, government says
At least 72 people have been killed and 38 wounded in a coordinated attack targeting Akop Payam in Tonj North County, Warrap State, according to the state government.
In a statement dated October 26, the government said armed elements from Mayom County in neighbouring Unity State and sub-sections of Alabek Payam carried out the attack, resulting in casualties on both sides. Of those killed, 50 were reportedly from the attacking side and 22 from the victim's side.
The government, led by Caretaker Governor Ustaz Angelo Ngot Mayar, condemned the violence and expressed concern over the growing involvement of armed groups in intercommunal clashes.
Authorities also reported cattle raids at Majak-kou cattle camp, while two markets in Athieng-puol and Rual-malith, as well as several households in Akop Payam, were allegedly burned.
The statement linked the latest attack to a wider cycle of retaliatory violence, 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 instructed 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 raided cattle and identify those responsible.
The government appealed for calm and restraint, urging humanitarian organizations and well-wishers to support affected communities, particularly women, children, and elderly people 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.
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