Mangol-Apuk Payam Administrator, David Atem Matiok, told this publication that the incident occurred on Sunday evening at around 7:00 p.m. as residents were returning to their homes.
According to Atem, the suspect—identified as Angeth Mawein Kuot—allegedly set the house ablaze after a disagreement with the neighbour.
“What happened is that the two women had a dispute among themselves, but they did not approach other community members to resolve the matter. The suspect decided to take the matter into her own hands,” he said.
Atem confirmed that Kuot has been detained at the local police station while investigations continue. He added that a case file has already been opened and that the suspect will be taken to court once investigations are completed.
“The file has been opened against her, and the prosecuting team will forward the case to court. This is not a communal issue, and people should not take the law into their own hands,” he warned.
Local authorities described the incident as shocking, noting that the fire destroyed several household items. Among the damaged property were sacks of sorghum stored in a food granary, mattresses, and other essential belongings.
Officials have urged residents to resolve disputes through lawful channels instead of resorting to violence or destruction of property.
Community leaders say such incidents are sometimes fueled by a lack of awareness about legal procedures, with individuals often acting on advice from people who may have personal grievances.
Fire outbreaks are also more common during the dry season, when strong winds can quickly spread flames. These incidents frequently leave affected families devastated, particularly in communities where many households survive on limited resources.
Last week, a seven-year-old boy died in a fire in Aweil South County of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. The blaze reportedly started when a man attempted to burn palm branches for construction materials, but the fire spread to a nearby tukul where the child was sleeping, killing him instantly.
