JUBA – At least three people, including a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) soldier and two civilians, have been killed in a deadly clash between armed youth and government forces in Cueibet County in South Sudan’s Lakes State, authorities confirmed on Friday.
According to the Acting Minister of Information and Communication in Lakes State, William Koji Kerjok, the violence erupted on Thursday night following what he described as “false allegations” made by an SSPDF officer, which triggered confusion and a chain of retaliatory attacks.
Koji explained that the incident began when an SSPDF major falsely reported that his house was surrounded by armed youth, prompting other members of the organised forces to rush to his rescue.
“In the process of rescuing him, the soldiers encountered the armed youth, and an exchange of gunfire ensued. Two of the armed youth were killed during the confrontation,” Koji said.
He added that after the SSPDF troops returned to their base, the armed youth regrouped and launched a revenge attack, killing one soldier. Security forces later intervened to prevent further escalation.
“The person who hosted the armed youth in his house has been arrested and is now under investigation to determine why he accommodated such a large number of armed individuals,” the minister stated.
Koji said security reports estimate that over 40 armed youth were involved in the incident. He noted that while the situation in Cueibet town has since been brought under control, security patrols will continue to ensure stability.
“I think those armed youths might have been there to take revenge on someone, which made residents suspicious and led to the call for rescue,” he said. “It is something that needs thorough investigation.”
Koji confirmed that authorities are investigating both the SSPDF officer who made the false alarm and the civilian who allowed armed youth to gather at his residence.
“What triggered the situation will be investigated — why they were in town and why they were stationed in that house,” he emphasised. “But as we speak now, Cueibet is calm.”
The acting minister added that Lakes State remains largely peaceful despite the isolated incident in Cueibet. He also reported a separate cattle raid involving youth from Panyijiar County, Unity State, who allegedly stole livestock from Yirol East. Security forces later recovered the stolen cattle, though one herder from Yirol East was killed during the operation.
