Girl killed and ten injured in Yirol as “drunk” brother detonates grenade

JUBA – Local authorities in South Sudan’s Lakes State on Thursday reported that a 16-year-old girl was killed, and 10 others were wounded when a drunken man exploded a grenade at his home in Yirol West County on Wednesday.

Speaking to Sudans Post this evening, Lakes State Police Spokesman Major Elijah Mabor Makuac said the incident took place in Kadula village of Yirol West County, when a 21-year-old man returned home intoxicated and had a quarrel with his family.

The man, Makuac said, then retrieved a hand grenade and detonated it before throwing it at the people present, resulting in the death of his 16-year-old sister and injuries to 10 others, including the man himself.

“Currently, all the victims have been evacuated to Yirol West County hospital for treatment after the incident was reported to the police,” he said.

“The investigation will continue, and the suspect is in the hospital receiving treatment under serious detention, being monitored by the police. When he recovers, the investigation will proceed with him,” he added.

The senior state police officer also confirmed that the grenade belonged to the suspect’s late father, who had been a soldier.

“The grenade remained in the home after his father died because the family did not surrender it to the authorities, either the police or the military,” Makuac said.

“My message to the public is that any property of the deceased, especially military items, should be handed over to the relevant unit. If the unit is far, they should report it to the nearest police force so these items are taken out of the family home,” he added.

Angelina Adhel Malual, Chairperson of the Civil Society Network in Lakes State, expressed her concerns about the incident, highlighting the risks posed by such materials.

“As a civil society, it is our concern to alert the people of Lakes State, particularly about the danger posed by these items in family homes,” she told Sudans Post.

“If such issues still exist, and if the deceased has passed away, the family should ensure that any military materials, like grenades, are returned to the government or the relevant authorities,” the added.

The civil society leader emphasized the importance of returning weapons to authorities, saying arms presence in the hands of the civilians endangers the communities.

“If we still have these dangerous items in the community or in our homes, we need to address what could happen, especially considering we have family members who may misuse them due to intoxication or mental unawareness,” she said.

Adhel further called on the state government in Lakes to raise awareness in the community about the dangers of keeping such weapons at home.

“It is a risk to the family,” she warned. “Even in the event of a fire, these weapons could cause more destruction than we are witnessing now.”