BENTIU — At least nine people have reportedly been killed and 23 others wounded following violence at the Bentiu internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in South Sudan’s Unity State.
The violence erupted after authorities in Unity State attempted to arrest self-proclaimed prophet Taban Puol, who claims to be the reincarnation of Ngundeng Bong, a prominent Nuer prophet who lived in the 19th century.
The incident reportedly occurred at around 4:40 p.m. when tensions escalated between security forces and the prophet’s followers, who allegedly resisted the arrest.
An eyewitness, Diang Bile, told Sudans Post on Thursday that the confrontation began with stone-throwing at security forces before escalating into further violence.
Bile described the situation as chaotic, saying people fled as security personnel and the prophet’s followers confronted each other.
Nyiir Gatchang Puoch, chairperson of the Community High Committee at the Bentiu camp, blamed the government for the deaths and injuries, saying the victims included women, children, and young people.
“When they tried to arrest him, his followers did not allow it to happen. The government beat them, and they responded by throwing stones and fighting with sticks and knives. This caused more injuries and deaths in the community,” Gatchang
Gatchang said 20 civilians were wounded, while three police officers also sustained injuries, adding that several people remain missing following the incident.
“Nine people died, and many others are still missing. Twenty civilians were wounded, while three police officers were also injured. We blame the government because these are civilians who belong to the government,” he said.
“If the government knew that their children were here with us, they should have arrested the person at night instead of during the day when many people were around.”
