At least one person was killed and another one injured following clashes between security forces and a local youth group in Jonglei State’s border town of Akobo on Wednesday evening.
The Executive Security in the Commissioner’s office, Benson Gatwech, told Radio Tamazuj that the fighting erupted after members of security forces were sprayed with bullets while trying to stop a youth group from taking illicit substances.
“Alcohol and other illicit drugs have been banned in Akobo County. However, this evening some youth from Deng-Jok area, were trying to smuggle alcohol into Dengjok in Akobo town. They opened fire on the security forces who tried to stop them,” Gatwech explained.
“In the exchange of fire, one youth was killed and a soldier injured,” he added.
“We cannot say the situation is calm because there is still panic in the town. However, for the past 10 minutes, there has been no shooting. The security forces have been deployed to calm the situation, and investigations are underway,” he went on.
A local youth, John Charles, called for restraint among the various groups.
“As we speak, people are running up and down because the youth are moving with guns and shooting indiscriminately. Elders are trying to calm them down,” he said.