Police in Lakes State said that two people were killed and two others wounded in intra-communal revenge fighting between two clans of the Manuer section in Rumbek North County. The incident occurred in Malueth Payam on Monday.
Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac, the police spokesperson in Lakes State, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the violence erupted when a potential wanted suspect appeared for prayers during the Christmas Day service in the church on Monday around 12:30 PM.
He stated, “An incident occurred where we received information yesterday that some armed youth clashed, leading to the killings of 2 people. The prime suspect, who came into the church with his associates while armed, was a most-wanted suspect for killing someone in September. He had evaded government authorities and refused to disclose his whereabouts.”
He mentioned that one of the primary suspects entered the church with his associates while armed. This individual is a high-priority suspect, having committed a murder last September. He has evaded authorities and is currently at large, refusing to report to the government, and there is no available information about his whereabouts.
Maj. Elijah provided further details, stating, “The relatives of the previous victim retrieved their hidden guns and engaged in gunfire with the suspect and his associates. During the exchange, two people were killed—one girl caught in the crossfire, and another man. Two individuals, including the wanted suspect, sustained injuries.”
He mentioned that the suspect and the other wounded individuals are currently receiving treatment at Rumbek North Hospital. These incidents are among the few we have received. Additionally, there are unconfirmed reports of tension between Luac and Pakam in Warrap and Lakes State.
“We are still verifying this information. There are also allegations of about 30 cattle being stolen in grazing fields by suspected youths from Luac. However, the cattle were later recovered by their owners,” added Lakes State Police Spokesperson Maj. Elijah.
He emphasized that the suspect has been subdued for the past 72 hours, and the situation in Lakes State is relatively calm, marking a peaceful Christmas.
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