Eighteen officers from the fire brigade in Aweil have been arrested and accused of being behind last week's protest about pay increments, according to several sources in the fire brigade.

One source revealed that two were arrested since last week, identified as Anei and Mawein Akeen, while another 16 were taken this morning in their parade. They were reportedly detained by CID.

The same source added that the governor has mentioned in his speech today at Aweil Freedom Square that the director of fire brigade has submitted a list of 32 officers to be arrested for investigation in connection to last week’s protest.

Aweil state minister of information, culture, youth and sports James Wieu admitted arrests were ordered by the government.

“Yes, we have actually ordered our security to follow up those who went on strike and fired bullets in front of the civilians and as a result a bullet went up and come down and hit one innocent. So the innocent person is now in the hospital under the treatment,” he said.

Hon. Wieu also said the state government has condemned the incident and warned of thorough investigation to matter.

“It is not good for the people who are supposed to provide protection to the civilians to be the ones shooting in the air and harm. So we are going actually to arrest all of them who are involved in the strike,” he said.

Photo: A roadblock set up in Aweil during the strike last week