By Manas James Okony
Police in Jonglei state have arrested two community members in Uror County over alleged murder.
The two under police custody are the father to the suspected and the village chief of Wickol Payam.
On Monday evening, a businessman identified as John Anei was shot dead at his internet café in Yuai Town, the administrative center of Uror County, according to the report.
This incident has reportedly led to the temporary closure of the town’s main market, with businesses only resuming the following day after security forces were deployed to stabilize the situation.
The incident has raised tensions in the area and is suspected to be a revenge killing linked to prior violent events in the state.
Majiok Chop, the county’s information director, confirmed yesterday that the area has since calmed down following their intervention.
He indicated that the father of the suspected murderer and the village chief had been arrested in response to the growing unrest.
According to preliminary investigations, the motive behind the attack appears to be revenge.
“Anei was reportedly targeted by the murderer, who was seeking vengeance for the deaths of his relatives in a road ambush that occurred in Twic East County two months prior. It was on Monday at 7 pm that a man called John Anei was shot dead at his internet café. The situation was tense with the market temporarily closed,” Chop said.
The official provided further context regarding the motivations for the killing: “Two months ago, three men were shot dead in Twic East while in a vehicle en route to Uror County. A man avenging those killed targeted this businessman from Bor.”
In response to the incident and to prevent further violence, local authorities said they have arrested the father of the suspected murderer and the chief of Wickol Payam, from where the suspect hails.
James Gai Makoor, the Bor County Commissioner, also intervened to address the unrest and to prevent any potential escalation of violence.
He revealed that he met with the grieving family of the deceased and their chief on Monday, encouraging peace and dialogue.
The backdrop of this incident highlights the ongoing cycles of violence and retribution that have plagued parts of South Sudan, where longstanding tribal rivalries and grievances frequently erupt into deadly confrontations.