A group of local youth from Wunrok Payam of Twic County, Warrap State, attacked a school administered by Church missionaries, resulting in injuries to 11 students, local officials said.
Mangok Kom, the acting commissioner of Twic County, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday that the incident occurred and Wednesday, pointing out that the dispute over the land has been simmering for several years.
“This land issue has persisted due to conflicting claims by some individuals who assert that the land on which the missionary schools were built belongs to them. However, the land rightfully belongs to the Wunrok community, who generously provided it to the church for the establishment of primary and secondary schools,” explained Mangok.
He further elaborated on the situation, stating, “The dispute has been ongoing, and a group of self-proclaimed youth from the Wunrok community refused to accept the legitimacy of the school’s presence on the land. Their refusal escalated into an attack on Wednesday, injuring 11 school children. Thankfully, the government swiftly intervened, leading to the arrest of three individuals.”
Mangok expressed concern for the affected students, saying, “The injured pupils received medical attention at Turalei Hospital, and the majority have been discharged. However, four students sustained serious injuries and continue to receive treatment at the hospital. In response to this distressing incident, I call upon all politicians, members of parliament, and county ministers to address this issue promptly. These schools and the children they serve are integral to our community, and we must ensure their safety and well-being.”
Aguek Manut, a concerned parent whose child was injured during the school attack, expressed her worries about the school’s potential closure.
“The landowner desires to control the school administration according to his own wishes. He insists that his children should study without paying any contributions, and he wants his relatives to be employed as messengers in the school. We heard reports of an altercation involving school children, and unfortunately, my child was struck by a stone on her head, injuring her hand as well,” she shared.
Manut added, “On Thursday, our children were denied entry to the school, and this is happening during their examinations. We implore the government to intervene in order to resolve this matter, as one person should not have the power to disrupt the education of an entire school.”
She also mentioned that she sought medical treatment for her child at a private clinic, administering Amoxicillin tablets. She revealed that eleven children were injured in total, with five requiring special attention and care from the church pastor at Turalei Hospital.
Brigadier General Marko Mawien, the Twic county police inspector, confirmed the incident, saying, “The incident indeed took place, and eleven pupils were injured. Several individuals involved have been apprehended, although the arrests were made in Wunrok Payam rather than the county’s headquarters in Turalei. I am currently awaiting an official report in my office, as the police investigation is still ongoing.”