A clash between SSPDF soldiers and armed local youth left five dead and five others injured on both sides in Mankien Payam in Unity State’s Mayom County over the weekend.
Peter Duol Thak, the executive director in the area, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that the clash happened after they got information that local armed youths had gone to neighboring Warrap State and raided the cattle. He said security forces were dispatched to recover the raided cattle, but the youth refused to hand them over and put up resistance.
“We gave directives to security personnel to arrest those who are creating insecurity between Warrap State and us. The army found the criminals in the forest, and they just opened fire on SSPDF soldiers, killing two personnel on the spot and injuring three,” he explained. “On the side of the armed youth, three people were killed on the spot, and two people were injured.”
“The wounded soldiers were brought to Mankien Hospital, and those with serious injuries were transferred to Bentiu Hospital, but the armed youth took their injured to the forest, and I do not know where they will treat them,” Duol added.
Meanwhile, Simon Gatdet, the chairperson of civil society in Unity State, described the clash as “very unfortunate.”
“It is very unfortunate to hear the death of five men who have been killed over cattle,” he said. “The criminals were not arrested by the SSPDF, and this is the biggest problem because when lawbreakers are not brought to book, they get emboldened.”