Lakes State Acting Information Minister William Koji Kirjok has confirmed that clashes between the Gak and Lith sections of the Pakam Community of Rumbek North County on Tuesday over a girl’s elopement led to two deaths and seven people being injured.
He appealed to the two communities to cease hostilities and resolve the matter peacefully.
“When such things happen, it is important to go to the police, the government, and chiefs to resolve matters instead of taking the law into your own hands,” he counseled. “It is very unfortunate that lives were lost, and we are appealing to their clan members not to seek revenge. Those who go to take revenge and cause insecurity will be held accountable and brought to book.”
Minister Koji said that on the whole, the state is peaceful, although there are rumors of criminals roaming in Unity State’s Panyijiar County along the border with Rumbek North, and Yirol East counties in Lakes State.
“The organized forces are there to make sure the criminals do not tamper with the lives of people,” he said.
For his part, Daniel Laat Kon, a local civil society activist, said they had heard about the incident and that it is not the first time such occurrences have happened.
“People are dying just because of a girl eloping, and these are social issues that could have been addressed without even losing lives. We strongly condemn this incident and urge people to dialogue,” he said. “The government also has to quickly intervene when such fighting happens and hold perpetrators accountable.”
“We are calling on the families of those who lost their lives not to seek revenge and leave everything in the hands of the government,” Laat added.
He also recommended the disarmament of civilians who hold illegal guns for peace to prevail.