The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called on the authorities to investigate a report of deadly intercommunal violence in the country’s Jonglei State earlier this week.

UNMISS said on Tuesday that the attack reportedly occurred on Sunday when armed youth from the Murle community carried out cattle raids in two villages in Baidit, citing various independent sources, including the Human Rights Commission.

Some 32 people from the Dinka Bor community were killed, according to preliminary information, with the victims including three women killed by gunshots, and three children who reportedly drowned in the river while fleeing.

At least 26 other people were wounded, and at least five houses were burnt and other property looted. Also, some people reportedly fled to nearby bushes, some of whom remain unaccounted for.

UNMISS stated that it strongly condemns any attack on civilians and urged groups and individuals to take immediate action to avoid further escalations that would endanger vulnerable people.

“The Mission further calls on authorities to carry out timely investigations and that the perpetrators be held accountable,” it said.

“Any surge in subnational violence will have a devastating effect on communities that have already been impacted by flooding, the COVID-19 pandemic and recurring conflict,” the Mission stated.

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also responded to the attack, with its South Sudan representative, Hamida Lasseko, saying she was deeply saddened to learn children were among the victims.

(NAN)