Authorities in Gogrial East County, Warrap State, and Mayom County in Unity State on Tuesday said fighting which took place at Gamdhang market in Gogrial East County over the weekend left 21 dead and 22 others injured.
The clashes erupted last Sunday at the Gamdhang cattle auction market between armed youth from Mayom County and their counterparts from Gogrial East.
Maluach Malueth, the Gogrial East County commissioner, said his county lost 14 youths, and 11 others were seriously wounded and are currently being treated at Kuajok hospital.
“It was during a market day in Gamdhang on Sunday that a youth from Gogrial East quarreled with another youth from Mayom County over the sale of a cow and the two fought with their hands,” Commissioner Maleuth explained. “Another youth from Mayom cocked his gun and shot a Gogrial youth dead and then shooting started anyhow in the congested market which brought people from Wau, Unity State, and other places.”
He said he visited the scene on Monday and found 13 dead bodies.
“Six of the dead were identified by relatives and taken for burial and the rest were eaten by vultures. The wounded from my side was 12, including one woman, but one died before reaching the hospital. So, the number of dead was 14 and 11 remain in Kuajok hospital for treatment,” he added.
The commissioner said he tried to stop the operation of the market but the people from Mayom County are compelled by economic conditions to bring cattle for sale and in exchange buy much-needed grain and other necessities. He said relative calm had returned to the area.
The Mayom County executive director, Gadet Gany Madut, confirmed the incident and blamed the youth for not listening to the government.
“The market was banned by our government but the youth wanted to fight soldiers and the government,” Gany said. “On my side, 7 people were killed and 11 were injured and some were taken to Bentiu Hospital where one died. The rest of the wounded people were taken to Mankien.”