25 arrested at Bentiu IDP camp after New Year celebrations

BENTIU – At least 25 people were arrested on Wednesday by Unity State police authorities at Bentiu’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camp after becoming intoxicated during New Year’s celebrations, a police official said.

David Matut Both, deputy commander of joint police in the Bentiu IDP camp, confirmed the arrests to Sudans Post in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

“All 25 gangs were drunk with alcohol during the celebration and they’re under detention at the police station in the sector one gate,” Matut said.

He added that the individuals who belonged to two local gangs – the “Old Star Team” and the “Wrong Group Team” – were not involved in any criminal activity beyond being intoxicated.

“They will be released from detention after two days because they didn’t commit any crime, only alcohol which influenced them,” Matut said.

Koang Machar, a resident of the Bentiu IDP camp, said this year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations were peaceful, a significant improvement over previous year.

“I witnessed the situation of the New Year celebration at nighttime, and it was a peaceful celebration. No one is against another person, and we left our houses empty without a person to take care of our properties,” Machar said.

“Only police are taking care of them during the celebration of the New Year,” he added.

Machar expressed appreciation for the Unity State government’s efforts to provide security to the IDP camp.