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By Emmanuel Garjiek
At least 14 people were killed and 18 others wounded in intercommunal fighting between armed youths from the Luacjang community of Tonj East County and the Pakam community of Rumbek North County, local officials confirmed Thursday.
Authorities in Rumbek North (Lakes State) and Tonj East (Warrap State) said the violence broke out Wednesday after an elderly farmer, Marial Mayek, was shot dead in Bulo village, Malueth Payam, and his ox-plough bulls taken.
Tonj East County Commissioner Machuei Bith Bol told Radio Tamazuj that six Luacjang youths and eight from the Manuer section of the Pakam community were killed. “We have spoken to youths from both sides and urged them to remain calm,” Bol said, noting that no further attacks had been reported Thursday. He added that security forces had been dispatched to investigate and apprehend those responsible. Bol said seven Luacjang youths were injured and warned that administrative measures would be taken against anyone undermining peace efforts. “Our message to both Luacjang and Pakam communities is to maintain the peace between them and avoid further violence,” he stressed.
James Kueinyin Meen, medical officer in charge of Malueth Payam, reported that seven people sustained serious injuries and 11 others minor wounds on the Rumbek North side. He explained that armed youths allegedly from Luacjang attacked Bulo village, killing one man and stealing ox-plough bulls before being pursued by local youths, leading to clashes in Chum village. “The injured received first aid before being referred to health facilities in Rumbek North and Rumbek State Hospital,” Meen said.
Mathiang Ater Chier, head chief of Malueth Payam, confirmed that the initial victim was killed while farming. “Youths pursued the attackers after the killing, and clashes later escalated involving youths from both communities,” he said.
Rumbek North County Commissioner Moses Maker Magok stated that authorities had intervened to separate the rival groups and restore calm. “The situation is now under control, and the youths have dispersed to their respective areas,” Magok said. He urged both communities to respect the peace agreement signed last year and refrain from further violence.
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