Five killed in clashes between communities in Lakes State

RUMBEK – At least five people were killed and three others wounded on Wednesday in clashes between members of the Joth and Monytiek communities in Rumbek Center County of Lakes State over a dispute involving a young woman, officials said.

William Koji Kirjok, the Acting Minister of Information and Communication in Lakes State, told Sudans Post that the violence erupted after a disagreement over a young woman who had been impregnated.

“The brothers of the girl decided to shoot his sister, and the issue now triggers a conflicts which caused the life of 5 people, and 3 others injured,” Kirjok said.

He said the government had intervened to de-escalate the situation and restore order.

“The government has been involved in trying to separate the situation between the two communities and the situation is now normal,” he said.

“The government is warning each and every one who takes law into their own hands that they should always face justice and whoever decided to stab the peace stability in Lakes State should also be held accountable,” he added.

Kirjok emphasized the importance of resolving disputes through legal channels.

“Because already, Lakes State has signed a customary law that gives right to everyone,” he said. “In case you have a case, whether a case related to girl or adultery than there is no need for the individuals to take law into their own hands.”

He said individuals should report any disputes to the police for proper investigation and resolution.

“He said the person should report the case to police and now it is law to handle the case accordingly,” he said.

Kirjok said the situation had returned to normal with an increased security presence in the affected area.

“The whole authority of Rumbek center county are there in Mayom Payam, and all the leaders of two sections are given a responsibility to take care of their people,” he said.

Dr. Terran Madit Terran, a medical doctor at Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed receiving two patients with gunshot wounds.

“We so far received 1 patient on that evening with gunshot at abdomen and it was very severe when he arrived at the hospital,” he said. “The team reached, and the emergency laboratory was done. But, because of severity of the wound we lost that one patient on the table.”

He said the second patient, who sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, was in stable condition.

“We tried our level best, but we lost him,” he said. “Today in the afternoon we received another patient with gunshot on the leg and is stable.”

Angelina Adhel Malual, a civil society activist, urged the community to refrain from violence and allow the government to address the situation.

She emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect the lives and property of its citizens.

“The government of Lakes State is the government that has two good priorities which is a protection of life and property,” she said.