GOGRIAL – A 28-year-old man who died from stomach complications in a traditional fattening competition in Gogrial East County, Warrap State, has been declared the winner in accordance with tradition, a community radio reported.
The late Mayol Manyiel Deng, from Kuac Ayok Community in Malual Monjuec Boma, Ajup Payam, passed away on Wednesday, 20 August 2025, at Ayok Cattle Camp.
Community leader Sultan Ater Mayar Ayok told Mayardit FM – an offshoot of The Radio Community – that Mayol developed severe stomach complications after being fed the milk of 26 cows in preparation for the competition.
“Before the competition show, he died because of overfattening, he did not reach to hospital. He has been fed with 26 cow’s milk,” Mayar said.
“The celebration will continue for five years in his name as the winner at the cattle camp, since he was buried there. The site will remain known as Ayok Cattle. The community is now celebrating him.”
Mayol was among the sixteen top participants in the annual contest, which is a cherished cultural tradition in the area. To honor him, the community will celebrate the fattening season in his name for the next five years at Ayok Cattle Camp.
He was buried at the camp where he passed away, and the site will continue to be known as Ayok Cattle.
Sultan Ater, however, said the community intends to continue the traditional fattening culture as part of their local heritage, despite its potential dangers.