At least 22 people were wounded after a party was marred by a grenade blast on Friday evening in Wau town.

The incident occurred at Bar al-Shargi area where many young people and local musicians had gathered.

The mayor of Wau town, Elizabeth Mario, told reporters that the blast was caused by a soldier who was under influence of alcohol.

“The incident occurred when a soldier from Division 5 hurled a grenade after he quarrelled with a girl who was attending the party,” she explained.

The mayor pointed out that the injured have been rushed to hospital, where two of them are grappling with serious injuries.

The local official disclosed that the solder has been detained and is being questioned in connection with the incident. “The soldier has been arrested after the incident. He was about to kill himself but the police managed to rescue him,” Mario said.

Joseph Juma, a doctor working at Wau Teaching Hospital, said most of the victims had minor wounds. He added that medical doctors at the health facility were providing treatment to the injured.

“There are enough medicines and we are able to handle the situation. But I appeal to the government to create awareness among citizens about the danger of bombs,” he said.

The girl who was targeted by the soldier said:” my name is Alek Kur. I was in a relationship with him but we broke up, so he just starts shooting at me whenever he sees me”.

“I quarrelled with him at the party because he was telling me to trust him again and return to him, but I refused because I am now married to another man. I am very sorry for what happened,” Alek explained.

Malith Kuc Malith, an uncle to the girl, said the family had opened a case of assault against the soldier, but the issue was not taken seriously by police.

“Previously, we opened a case against him but the government failed to arrest him, so this incident would not have happened if he had been arrested long time ago,” he added.