At least six people, including three women, were killed and a child injured in inter-communal violence in Hiyala Payam in Torit County of Eastern Equatoria State on Friday evening, local officials said.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, County Commissioner Jacob Atari Albano said: “On Friday at around 5 pm, two criminals from Loguruny went from Hiyala to the gardens in Iloli. They killed two people and shot a boy, which prompted people from Iloli to retaliate, killing three women and one man from Loguruny,” Albino explained.
Commissioner Atari said the government is working hard to arrest the situation and ensure peace between the two communities.
“The criminals who started the killings are from Loguruny, so those who went and killed a person in Iloli are the cause of the problem. Our people don’t want to stay in peace. These kinds of acts are even disappointing,” he lamented.
Ofere Sisto, the sub-chief of Iloli, confirmed the incident, accusing the youth of Loguruny of starting the conflict.
Meanwhile, Mr Otida, the sub-chief of Loguruny, admitted that his youth carried out the killing that led to a revenge attack from his neighbouring village.
Davidika Ikai, the acting chairperson of the Eastern Equatoria State Women Association, condemned the killing of women, saying it is a total violation of women’s and child’s rights.
She called on the two conflicting communities to desist from revenge attacks and seek legal means to handle disputes.
“Women are innocent people; they don’t hold guns, so this is a crime. If there is any concern, they should allow the law to take its course,” she said.