Police authorities in Bor town of South Sudan’s Jonglei State on Sunday closed down the main Pentecostal church in the town following a leadership wrangle among rival groups in the church.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Ajang John, Bor Town Police Inspector said they closed the church to avoid violence in the church.

“These people have a dispute amongst themselves over leadership and they wanted to get violent. Last Sunday we went there and warned them against violence but they refused and started insulting each other provoking violence. So we told them if they want to fight, we will close the church for safety,” he said.

John revealed that a week ago they arrested some church members after they clashed.  

The official said the church will remain closed until the two rival groups resolve their differences.

A source privy to the leadership wrangle claimed the dispute began in 2012 during the election of church leaders. One group alleged that an unqualified church member was elected Bor overseer. He added that the dispute resurfaced again in November 2017 during the second elections.

Radio Tamazuj attempts to reach the church leaders have been unsuccessful.