2 linked to Ma’adi chief’s death arrested

JUBA – South Sudan security forces in Nimule, Eastern Equatoria state, have arrested two people linked to the killing of the Ma’adi community chief on Monday, a senior army officer has said.

Tensions were high in Nimule on Monday after a group of armed youth attacked a Ma’adi community meeting killing Chief John Ebele. The death toll has grown to five after clashes erupted between rival communities there.

Major Amet Amet, commander of South Sudan People’s Defense Forces in Nimule, narrated the incident.

“The late chief had called a meeting over the two people who were killed the day before. They wanted to take one body to Mugali while the other will remain in Nimule. Many people gathered including bodabodas and the whole area at his compound,” he is quoted by Radio Tamazuj as saying.

“But one civilian came from nowhere took the gun and shot the chief. I tried my level best and brought the two of them now into the military prison,” Maj. Amet added.

Meanwhile, Nimule Payam Chief Alira William says the culprit aimed at the chief, shooting him dead at 9 am. He also said the Nimule police inspector was injured during the melee that followed later in the afternoon.

“At 3 pm, they shot the police inspector of Nimule David Kasmiro, they shot at his leg, his leg is broken, they took him to the hospital,” he claimed.

Hundreds of Nimule residents fled the town into neighboring Uganda seeking refuge, William added.

Bosco Ayella, Nimule youth leader, says the situation is deteriorating as youth protest the killings and are calling for the evacuation of community members from Jonglei State.

“Right now what the people are saying is that all the Dinka community who are not employed by the government should have to leave Nimule. That is the only solution. Every day people are being killed by the Dinka community who have traveled thousands of miles away coming on the ground here. This is the voice of the people, this is what they are saying,” Ayella said.

He called on the government to provide security to the people of Nimule to avoid further loss of lives and destruction of property.