Two primary school pupils were killed, and six others fled into nearby bushes after an attack by armed youth in Rumbek North County, Lakes State, on Sunday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 1:30 PM, shortly after church services.
The attackers, believed to be from the Luacjang community in Tonj East County, Warrap State, targeted pupils from Maper Primary School. The victims, identified as Mawut Malek Chol Marial Wol and Gok Mayuen Gok, were unarmed and reportedly killed in a forested area. The six other pupils were later rescued.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, Tonj East County Commissioner Makur Dhuol Ajok confirmed the attack, stating that government forces are searching for the perpetrators. He emphasized that the victims were civilians and that the incident occurred in a swampy area.
“We are pursuing peace between Rumbek North and Tonj East, but this attack has disrupted ongoing dialogue,” he said.
Rumbek North County Commissioner Moses Maker recounted that the attackers ambushed the pupils near his office. He urged communities to avoid retaliation, calling for calm and cooperation between Warrap and Lakes States. “I have spoken to the families of the victims and local chiefs to prevent further violence,” he said.
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon expressed concern over the attack, noting that it undermines recent peace agreements between the Luacjang and Pakam communities.
He called for the perpetrators to be held accountable and urged both sides to refrain from revenge attacks.