On Tuesday night in Lorima village, Ikotos County, South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State, a tragic incident unfolded during a traditional dance. Two individuals, identified as Taban Oleyo (20 years old) and Lokang Lokeli, lost their lives, while another sustained gunshot injuries.
The violence erupted when a disagreement between two participants escalated, leading one to pick up a weapon out of hatred. One person was killed, and the other was injured as a result. Local authorities report that in response, the family of the victims took matters into their own hands, arresting and subsequently killing the alleged assailant.
Odongi Joseph, the Paramount Chief of Ikotos County, confirmed that the injured individual is currently receiving medical treatment at Ikotos Primary Health Care Center.
In shedding light on the tragic incident, the Chief Odongi explained that a family took matters into their own hands, contending that the alleged perpetrator, Taban Oleyo, had been involved in criminal activities and causing hardships for others in the community.
The narrative unfolded during a morning traditional dance known as Lokombee, where participants were engaged in the cultural activity. However, the celebration took a dark turn when an individual, driven by animosity towards a fellow participant, introduced a gun into the situation.
“This incident happened in the morning when these people were playing traditional dance called Lokombee and they played well but one came with a gun after having hatred with a colleague there and wanted to kill the person he hated but instead he injured his intended target and accidentally killed a different person,” the Chief Ondongi recounted.
The unintended victim, identified as Lokang Lokeli, lost his life to a stray bullet. Consequently, the family of the deceased boy apprehended Taban Oleyo, the alleged assailant, claiming that his criminal activities had disrupted the peace in the area. In a tragic turn of events, the victim’s family took justice into their own hands, resulting in the death of Taban Oleyo.
Maj. Gen. John Luny, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Eastern Equatoria State, has confirmed the incidents and stated that investigations are currently underway. The aim is to file cases against those responsible for the crimes. Emphasizing the severity of the situation, he highlighted the life-threatening nature of civilians possessing firearms and urged citizens to report and assist in the apprehension of criminals to ensure they face justice.
He stated, “For sure, this incident happens, and investigation is ongoing at Ikotos Police Station. After investigation from both sides, is when we shall file the cause of killing, so the investigation is still ongoing. These perpetrators are armed criminals who go to the bush with their guns, and the presence of guns in the hands of civilians increases crimes. If anyone is illegally holding guns, such a person should be arrested and handed to the police for further investigation.”
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of curbing the illegal possession of firearms to enhance community safety and reduce criminal activities.
Onen Charles Lokwaruk, Chairperson for the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network, has strongly condemned the recent act of violence and called on the government to enforce laws and maintain order. He cautioned civilians against the unnecessary use of firearms, urging them to respect human rights and abide by the law.
“We condemn the act of using guns against ourselves for reasons that are not justifiable,” declared Onen Charles Lokwaruk, Chairperson for the Eastern Equatoria State Civil Society Network.
He emphasized the intended purpose of firearms, stating, “because the guns are meant to protect the country and to protect the people but not to be used against the people.” Regrettably, this misuse of firearms has resulted in the loss of two lives in Ikotos County, prompting Lokwaruk to appeal directly to the community.
In his appeal, Lokwaruk urged community members to prioritize being law-abiding citizens, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights of others. He encouraged a commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, stating, “they should learn to solve problems amicably.”
Additionally, the Chairperson called upon the government to play a proactive role in addressing the issue. “We called upon the government to continue enforcing laws, to take a step to disarm our communities,” he explained.
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