Tensions have been high in Jonglei State’s Akobo County following an incident in which one person was killed and five others injured at the main market in the town of Akobo on Monday morning.
The disturbance started when members of the Cie-Tut Community indiscriminately opened fire on a group of people in the market while trying to avenge the death of one of their members who was killed by Cie-Majok youth in May.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the Akobo County commissioner, said the situation was tense through Monday prompting the closure of the main market to stop the situation from escalating.
“What happened was that heavily armed members of Cie-Tut had left from the Meer area taking a patient to Akobo town for treatment. Before they could reach the hospital, they were turned back by the police because they were heavily armed and they may fight members of Cie-Majok with whom they have a history of revenge killings,” he explained. “However, while returning as ordered, they saw a man holding a firearm in the market with some people doing their business. Immediately, they started opening fire on the man holding the firearm thinking that he was from Cie-Majok and that he may attack them.”
Commissioner Nyang added: “As the result of the shooting by Cie-Tut youth, one person was killed and five others were injured yet the person holding the gun was not even from Cie-Majok but Cie-Lual.”
He said an investigation has been instituted to have those culpable apprehended.
“Now, the situation is calm but those involved are still at large and we are working to arrest them and take them to the court,” the official added.