At least nine people were killed and 10 others injured in a two-day clash between communities in Mayom County of Unity State, sparked by a dispute between two young men over a girlfriend, officials said Thursday.
The fighting occurred Tuesday and Wednesday between the Riah and Wangbuor payams, according to Gatwich Bipal Both, the state minister of information and telecommunications. He confirmed the casualties in an interview with Radio Tamazuj.
Both said the violence was unrelated to revenge killings following the deaths of former Commissioner Chuol Gatluak Manime and Capt. Gatluak Majok.
“Nine people lost their lives from both sides—five from Riah Payam and four from Wangbuor,” Both said. No arrests have been made, but authorities are working to apprehend those responsible, he added.
Riek Koang, Unity State coordinator of the Street Children Care Initiative Organization, condemned the killings.
“It is very unfortunate to hear about the death of nine men killed by criminals who have not been arrested by the police,” Koang said. “This is a big challenge because if the authorities do not effect arrests, there could be a repeat.”
He extended condolences to the victims’ families, saying, “My condolence message to the relatives of the victims of those who lost their lives.”