LEER – Two people have been wounded in a suspected revenge attack in Leer County, Unity State, an oil-rich region of South Sudan.
The incident occurred at around 3:00 a.m. this week in Juong Block 3, Leer Town, Unity State.
The victims, 26-year-old Magong Kat Changath and 29-year-old Kai Both Bol, sustained serious gunshot wounds and were referred from Leer Hospital to Bentiu for specialized treatment.
Speaking to Sudans Post on Friday, Samuel Machol Nguen, inspector of police in Leer County, said police responded immediately by dispatching a team to investigate the shooting.
“The house where the incident happened was occupied by several people, including a woman and her one-year-old child,” Machol said.
Machor stated as a result of the shooting, the two men were seriously wounded, two escaped unharmed, and one fled during the attack.
“We received the report and immediately dispatched a team to the crime scene. The victims were taken to Leer Hospital before being referred to Juba for further treatment,” he said.
He said the motive remains under investigation, with police suspecting a revenge attack. He added that efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
“The incident occurred at around 3:00 a.m. We are actively searching for the suspects. While the attack is suspected to be a revenge killing, investigations are ongoing to establish the exact motive.”
Leer County has experienced recurring intercommunal violence, including revenge attacks, cattle-related disputes, abductions, and clashes between armed youth.
Revenge violence in the area has been driven by disputes over cattle, land, family members, and previous killings.
The security situation has also been affected by the presence of armed civilians and limited access to formal justice and security services, particularly in remote areas.
This has made community-based conflict resolution and reconciliation efforts important in preventing disputes from escalating.
Leer has also been heavily affected by South Sudan’s broader conflict and humanitarian crisis. Repeated violence has contributed to displacement, disrupted livelihoods, and restricted access to food, health services, and other essential assistance.
