At least one person was shot dead and 14 houses burnt to ashes in a communal clash in Oronyo Village, Torit County in Eastern Equatoria on Thursday
The clash was the culmination of an unresolved dispute between the Isaru and Hiyu youths that had simmered for months.
Local authorities said several people displaced from the Hiyu side were currently seeking shelter in the bush, as tensions remained high for fear of revenge by the Isaru.
Unidentified people had previously inflicted wounds on 13 head of cattle belonging to the Isaru that led to accusations of the neighboring camps
Oronyo youth leader Abdalla Thomas told Radio Tamazuj that incident happened at around 8:30pm Thursday. He said several people who sustained injuries were in hiding as scores, especially women and children, remained displaced.
“The tension between the Itaru and the Hiyu erupted from a fight among children and we tried our best several times to settle the issue. The person killed is called Arichoto Atara, 30, and the one who shot him is known, but has denied the killing,” he explained.
The Oronyo SPLM-IG MP, Angelina Quintino, confirmed the incident, saying the situation remains tense.
She said the two camps have had a poor relationship for years, stressing on the government to intervene in containing the tensions.
“Yesterday, I was shocked to hear of the incident at around 11:30pm. The two camps have held grudges that prompted the incident leading to the death of one person,” she stated.
“The Government is ready to reach the scene and they have assured the conflicting communities of ending the hostilities. For sure, 14 houses were burnt to ashes and the government is investigating the matter because such tensions hinder the security of the state,” she added.
Eastern Equatoria State Chairperson for Civil Society Network Charles Onen Lokwaruk also condemned the incident, saying it violates the rights of children and women.
He called on the government to send forces to investigate and contain the alarming situation.