By Lodu William Odiya
Armed clashes between youths from the Nyang and Pakam communities have spread into Rumbek town, the capital of Lakes State, forcing residents to flee their homes as security forces move to contain the violence.
The fighting began on Thursday in Nyangkot village, on the outskirts of Rumbek Central County, where four people were reportedly killed before the violence escalated into the state capital early Friday morning.
According to local sources, heavy gunfire erupted in several residential neighborhoods at around 5 a.m. on Friday, as armed youths from the two communities engaged in renewed clashes.
The number of people killed or wounded in the latest fighting remained unknown as violence continued in several parts of the town.
The clashes have disrupted normal life in Rumbek, forcing families to abandon their homes and seek refuge in nearby villages, including Ronga, Cueiadukan, and Adol, in search of safety.
Videos reviewed by Number One Citizen showed civilians fleeing as gunfire continued in the town, raising concerns about the safety of residents caught up in the violence.