By Hou Akot Hou
A visitor who was offered shelter for the night before continuing his journey the following day reportedly shot 4 family members in the early hours of Sunday morning in Ajak-Kuach Payam of Twic County, Warrap State.
The suspect, identified as Puok Malual Yak, was reportedly travelling to Unity State when he arrived late and requested a place to sleep at the home of a resident.
The family accommodated him for the night, but authorities said he later cocked his firearm and opened fire on the household while family members were asleep, leaving 4 people seriously wounded. The suspect himself was also shot during the incident.
Speaking to the media, Ajak-Kuach police inspector Col. Peter Maroor Maluil said the suspect had only been offered hospitality and was expected to continue his journey peacefully.
“What happened over the weekend at Ajak-Kuach here is that a man was given a place to sleep, and in the early hours of the morning around 3:00 a.m., he cocked his gun and shot family members, leaving four critically wounded,” said Maluil.
He added that local armed residents later shot the suspect, and the injured victims were rushed to Mother Teresa Hospital and Mayen Abun Hospital for treatment.
“He was later shot at by local neighborhood armed men, and the victims have been rushed to Mother Teresa Hospital and Mayen Abun as their cases are being managed,” he stated.
Maluil blamed the attack partly on suspected drug consumption by the suspect, saying authorities later discovered evidence suggesting substance abuse. The suspect is currently being held for investigation.
The police inspector urged residents to remain cautious when hosting unfamiliar travellers, warning that some individuals may disguise harmful intentions, particularly in areas affected by long-standing tensions and unresolved feuds.
Despite government efforts to restore peace among rival communities, many residents continue to live in fear.
Authorities have reportedly banned night travel and public concerts in an effort to reduce insecurity and prevent violent incidents in border areas where the proliferation of firearms remains widespread.