By Chol D. Johnson
At least seven people have been killed and 15 others wounded following communal clashes between the Malual and Abang communities in the Malual Chaat area of Bor County, Jonglei State.
Bor County Commissioner Samuel Ateny Pech confirmed the incident in an exclusive interview on Wednesday, saying the fighting broke out on Tuesday evening around 7:00 p.m. in Kolonyang Payam.
“Seven people were killed and 15 wounded from both sides of the conflict on Tuesday,” Ateny said.
According to the commissioner, the violence was triggered by an incident involving a girl from the Malual community who was allegedly beaten by youth from the Abang community, prompting retaliation that quickly escalated.
“It started as a dispute after a girl from Malual was beaten by Abang youth, which led to escalation of violence,” he explained.
Ateny said the confrontation initially involved sticks but later escalated into the use of firearms. He noted that most of the victims were beaten to death during the clashes.
The girl at the center of the dispute reportedly sustained serious head injuries.
The commissioner also pointed to a history of tensions between the two communities, including a land dispute three years ago that resulted in one death and remains unresolved in court.
Security forces have since been deployed to the area, and Ateny said the situation is now under control.
“The situation is calm now. It is fully controlled with strong forces deployed, and there will be no more fighting,” he said.
He added that nine people from both communities, including local chiefs, have been arrested in connection with the violence, while security authorities are still searching for 19 more suspects.
Ateny expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and urged residents to remain peaceful.
The Malual and Abang communities live in Malual Chaat in Kolonyang Payam, south of Bor County in Jonglei State.