Police nab 10 youth after storming money transfer agency

KUAJOK — Police in Gogrial East County of Warrap State have detained at least 10 youths accused of storming Raandit, a local money transfer agency, following a dispute with its operators.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday in Liet-Nhom Payam after the youths went to the money transfer agency to withdraw money but were told that the agency did not have sufficient cash to meet their demands.

According to police, the youths became angry and allegedly attacked the agency’s operators, prompting officers to arrest three of them.

Mabek Deng Kuol, Director of Police in Gogrial East County, said the situation escalated after the youths’ colleagues learned about the detention of the three suspects.

He said the group later stormed the police facility armed with firearms, including AK-47 rifles, in an attempt to forcibly secure the release of their colleagues.

“What happened is that the youth stormed Raandit Company and started to release the trio, but unfortunately the fight ensued and injuries were incurred on both sides, between the police and the attackers at the police facility,” Deng said.

He said more than 10 youths have since been detained as police investigate the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.

Deng urged young people in the county to resolve disputes peacefully rather than resorting to violence.

“Our people need to embrace the culture of accepting one another as a person relevant to doing something good for you, and if he or she fails, then find other avenues to address that concern or wait patiently. Why resort to violence as the way out?” he said.

The police director said charges have been filed against those accused of storming the premises and that they will be taken to court to face legal proceedings.

He warned that the rule of law must be respected and said some of the suspects were accused of attacking and stoning police officers, resulting in injuries.

Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the dispute and determine the individual responsibility of those detained.