WARRAP – A bull being led to auction in Warrap State capital Kuajok suddenly went on rampage on Monday, goring two including its owner, who is now in hospital with serious injuries, local media reported.
The animal, which was being driven for sale became aggressive and charged into the streets, causing panic among residents.
Social media blog Tonj Times quotes the owner Wun Thon as suggesting that the bull had never acted this way before. He reportedly believes the sudden aggression might be linked to his ancestors being unhappy with his decision to sell it.
In South Sudan, particularly among the Nuer and Dinka, beliefs about dead ancestors are intertwined with the profound cultural and spiritual significance of cattle.
Ancestors are seen as spirits who can influence the living, requiring rituals like cattle sacrifice to gain their protection and ensure continuity.
Cattle themselves are considered gifts from the sky god and act as a vital spiritual and social link, serving as currency for marriages and wealth, and symbolizing lineage and life.
They also serve as a way to connect with ancestral spirits, with dedicated cows being associated with the deceased for communication and appeasement.
