A spiritual leader of the Bul Nuer tribe of South Sudan's Unity State died "at age of 120 years" last Thursday, according to a senior local official in Mayom County.

Dador Gatdeayni Long, who is widely known as 'Gatkura' passed away in Wangkei Payam of Mayom County last week. He had been suffering an undiagnosed illness. 

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, County Commissioner John Bol Mayak described his death as a big blow to the entire community of Bul Nuer.

"Yes his death will likely weaken us, but we urged our community to stay heartened because death is natural where no one has a right to prevent it," he added.

According to the official, his death is untimely because of the ongoing unresolved crisis. Many people say the late spiritual leader contributed a lot to working for peace among Mayom sons and daughter to unite under one umbrella, he said.

Gatkura is the uncle of Mathew Puljang Top, a former militia commander who has been integrated into the SPLA at a senior rank.

File photo