Authorities in Lakes State have confirmed that clashes between the Pakam section of Rumbek North County and the Luacjang community of Tonj East County in Warrap State have left at least 5 people dead and 18 others wounded as fighting continues in the Rumbek North County.
The fighting erupted at noon on Tuesday in Makuei and Payak villages.
The acting information minister in Lakes State, William Koji Kirjok, while speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday confirmed the fighting and said that armed elements from the Luacjang community in Tonj East (Warrap State) attacked villages in Rumbek North County.
“There was an attack on the Pakam community today (Tuesday) which left 5 people dead and 18 wounded,” he said. “The attackers came from the Luacjang community of Tonj East County. They have been pushed back towards the northern part of Rumbek North County and the fighting is ongoing.”
This conflict between the Luacjang and Pakam communities requires a resolution by the leaders of Lakes and Warrap states,” Koji added.
Meanwhile, the police chief inspector in Rumbek North County, James Nak, confirmed that the fighting is still ongoing in areas of Makuei and Payak villages.
“The community of Tonj East County attacked the Pakam community of Rumbek North County on Tuesday afternoon and they are still fighting in Makuei and Payak villages,” he said. “We have the number of 5 people confirmed dead and the more than 18 wounded have been brought to Rumbek North County Hospital with serious gunshot wounds.”
He urged the government to dispatch reinforcements of organized forces to contain the fighting.