By Yang Ater Yang
At least 13 people were killed and 25 others injured in intercommunal clashes between the Pakam community of Rumbek North County in Lakes State and the Luacjang community of Tonj East County in Warrap State.
Officials confirmed that this followed a violent incident in Bulo village.
Tonj East County Commissioner Machuei Bith Bol Malek confirmed fatalities on both sides and said investigations had begun.
“It was confirmed fighting has happened, and it has resulted in the loss of six (6) people from the Luacjang community, and on that side of the Manuer section (Rumbek North), they lost seven (8) people, which makes a total of 14 lives lost in the clashes,” Bol said
“We have a plan to investigate yesterday’s incident… and they will apprehend the culprits as soon as possible,” he added.
Rumbek North County Commissioner Moses Maker Magok said the violence began when armed attackers targeted civilians in the area.
“There were four (4) who came from an unknown location, and there were people who were cultivating in Bulo village,” he said.
“Unfortunately, one was killed during the attack on the side of Manuer section of Pakam community of Rumbek North County,” he added
He added that the killing triggered retaliatory attacks and wider clashes between the communities.
“The youths who heard the information about the killing of an old man identified as Marial Mayek ran after the attacker, whereby some youths of Gak section who were residing in Alor Payam were there,” he said
He said security forces later intervened and calmed the situation.
“As a government, we have intervened, and we have controlled the situation.”
A health official at Malueth Payam PHCU, Kueinyin Meen Jam, said the injured were being treated and referred.
“7 people were killed, and the total number of injured people is 18, and those 7 people sustained severe injuries while 11 others sustained minor injuries,” Meen said.
He added that patients were given first aid before referral:
“I have given Diclofenac and ceftriaxone and a bandage, and they have been referred to PHCC in Rumbek North County headquarters,” he added.
A local court official, Mathiang Ater Chier, said the violence began with the killing of a farmer.
“The first victim of the attack was identified as Marial Mayek, who was found in his garden while cultivating in Bulo village,” he said
Authorities from both counties have urged calm and respect for existing peace agreements while investigations continue.