Authorities in Jonglei State have dispatched police to quell deadly clashes between sections of the rival Duk and Twic East communities.
The Jonglei State Police Commissioner, Maj Gen Elia Costa, confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that nine people were killed and eight others wounded during clashes between the Hol of Duk County and the Ayual of Twic East County. The violence erupted on the Bioth-Agany fishing island last Friday.
“In response to the incident over the past two days, we have dispatched our forces to stabilize the situation and ensure safety in the area,” Gen Costa stated.
According to Gen Costa, casualties included nine deaths from the Hol side, with four others injured, while four individuals from the Ayual section sustained injuries.
“We have deployed additional police forces to Bioth-Agany island to restore law and order and apprehend suspects,” Gen Costa added, urging calm among the affected communities.
“We emphasize the need for peaceful coexistence. Our role is to enforce the law and protect all citizens. We stand ready to assist and support the communities,” Gen Costa reassured.
The recent violence follows a similar incident last month when seven people were killed and 10 others injured in an attack by suspected assailants from Twic East County on an island in Duk County. Tensions between the Twic East and Duk communities have boiled since mid-October last year, marked by sporadic clashes over disputed fishing rights at the Bioth-Agany site.
The unresolved death of Deng Dau, aka Deng-Moradong, a prominent wrestler, further exacerbated tensions, with suspicions of foul play involving armed individuals from Duk County.