At least four people were killed and 12 others wounded in cattle raid clashes between Abiriu Payam of Cueibet and Mayom Payam of Rumbek Central in Lakes State on Saturday and Sunday.
Police spokesperson Elijah Mabor Makuac told Radio Tamazuj that fighting erupted at a place called Relkou between the Cueibet youths and their counterparts from Rumbek Central.
“The specific place was between Aliet and Magotic area,” he said, adding that the fighting led to the killing of four people and the wounding of 12 others from either side.
Makuac said that some criminals from Cueibet went to Rumbek Central at around 4pm on Saturday and drove away 26 head of cattle. Upon the owners discovering that the animals were missing, they embarked on a pursuit, following the footprints until midnight.
The cattle owners, Makuac went on, were ambushed by armed Cueibet youths, who shot and killed one person and wounded several others. Fighting intensified leading to more deaths and injuries.
The police spokesperson said that normalcy had been restored and all the wounded had been evacuated to hospitals.
“Some were brought to Rumbek State hospital, and others taken to the Cueibet County hospital,” he said.
Makuac disclosed that the disarmament program had been halted due to some constraints, hence such incidences.
“But, peaceful disarmament was actually given a chance and many of the youths surrendered their arms. What remains is a forceful disarmament and this needs some procedures,” he said.
“You know very well that the arms are not only in the hands of the people of Lakes and neighboring states. It needs a proper mechanism to make sure that nobody is left vulnerable because if you disarm one side only, you expose them to those still holding arms.”
Makuac urged the people to remain calm and maintain law and order.
Dr Terran Madit Terran of the Rumbek State Hospital confirmed receiving several patients with gunshot wounds. He said most of them were stable and looking forward to their discharge.
The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) coordinator in Lakes State, Daniel Laat Kon, confirmed receiving the news about the clashes at a cattle camp called Aliet.
He said as CEPO condemned the incident because it was a continuation of the unfortunate past.
“When you see isolated attacks happening here and there because of firearms, it means a cycle of retaliation will continue and draw more people into conflict,” he said.
“We are asking the government to intervene to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book. This will deter other people that may think of going to revenge or raid cattle. This is our position as CEPO, and we urge the State government to intervene.”