By Hou Akot Hou
Authorities in the Abyei Administrative Area have launched an investigation into the killing of two young men, who were shot dead while conducting business in Abyei Town on the eve of the New Year.
According to preliminary reports, the victims; both in their early 20s were local retailers who moved around Abyei Town selling clothes.
The incident occurred on December 31, 2025, in the Athok-Giet neighborhood, where unknown attackers reportedly opened fire on the two youths at close range.
Speaking to this outlet on Friday via phone interview, the spokesperson of the Aweil Association in Abyei, Tong Kuot Tong, said the victims were attacked while selling clothes when assailants, suspected to be youths from within Abyei, shot them in the head, killing them instantly.
Tong identified the deceased as Arou Acak Arou and Dut, both described as young traders struggling to earn a living through small-scale business.
“What happened is that the attackers shot Arou Acak, who was around 20 years old, in the head, and did the same to Dut, who was also of the same age,” Tong said.
He added, “The cause of their death is related to their business, as they were local traders selling goods such as clothes.”
He strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence against innocent youth.
“We deeply condemn the killing of our innocent youth who were struggling for their lives,” Tong added.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Aweil East County issued a condemnation letter, a copy of which was seen by this outlet, expressing condolences to the bereaved families and calling for justice.
“On behalf of the government and the people of Aweil East County, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and affirm our solidarity with them during this painful and difficult time,” the letter read in part.
The commissioner further called for an immediate and transparent investigation, stressing the importance of accountability.
“We therefore demand an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into this heinous crime. The perpetrators must be promptly identified, arrested, and brought to justice. Accountability is not optional; it is essential to deter further violence and to uphold justice, peace, and the rule of law,” the statement continued.
In a subsequent reaction, the Abyei Administrative Area authorities also condemned the killings in a letter addressed to the Government of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, written by the Office of the Minister of Information.
“Accordingly, the Abyei Area Administration condemns, in the strongest terms possible, this criminal and violent act. Such a crime constitutes a direct threat to public safety and must be met with decisive action,” the letter stated.
The letter further noted that Chief Bona Bol Achuil from the Aweil community had also condemned the incident and confirmed that a case had been filed to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, some residents in the area alleged that the attackers targeted the two youths after seeing them with money in the Athok-Giet neighborhood.
According to these accounts, the assailants shot both victims in the head before fleeing the scene.
The victims reportedly bled profusely and were later transported by car to Aweil East, where their relatives were informed to receive the bodies for burial.
The killings have sparked anger among residents from Aweil living in Abyei, with growing calls for improved security and swift justice.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as investigations continue and efforts to track down the perpetrators are underway.