One person was killed and more than seven others, including two girls, were injured in clashes at the Lueng cattle camp in Rumbek Centre County, Lakes State, on Friday, authorities confirmed.
The authorities stated that the clashes involved factions of the Gony, Amothnhom, and Panyon communities.
A Rumbek police officer, John Mamer Rhial, told Radio Tamazuj on Saturday that the attack occurred early in the morning. He identified the deceased as Maluak Makur Marial and added that seven others were wounded from both sides. Tensions remain high in the area.
“The government forces, including the SSPDF and the police, have been sent to the scene to investigate the ongoing communal fighting between armed civilians at the Marialbek grazing wetland in the Lueng cattle camp,” Rhial said.
Rhial further explained that the wounded are still at the cattle camp due to a lack of road access to Rumbek State Hospital for treatment.
“All the wounded are still at the cattle camp, where most of them are nursing gunshot wounds,” he said. “The area is flooded, muddy, and surrounded by thick grass, which makes it impossible for vehicles to pass.”
A youth leader in Rumbek, Mark John Kon, stated that the situation at the Toch wetland had returned to normal by Saturday, following the arrival of organized forces.
He urged the government to apprehend the attackers from both sides who triggered the communal conflict.
“It has been three years since fighting between our youth in the cattle camp stopped,” Kon said. “It is very unfortunate that some criminal elements who do not want stability have again caused an incident that threatens the security of Lakes State. We call on the government to take stronger action by apprehending these criminals for investigation.”
Attempts to reach the Lakes State Information and Communication Minister for comment were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to phone calls.