Authorities in Jonglei State’s Nyirol County are holding four politicians and elders for allegedly mobilizing a local youth group that violently protested against the county commissioner in Langkien town on Monday.
The incident unfolded when a group of heavily armed youth from the area of Pading stormed Langkien town on Sunday night, firing shots into the air. The following day, they invaded the Airstrip, sparking fear and tension in the town. The group claimed they took over the airstrip to prevent the return of County Commissioner James Bol Makuey, whom they accuse of poor leadership and harassment of critics.
Biel Jiek Lual, the Nyirol County Information Director, told Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday that calm has since returned to Langkien following the incident, and that four alleged ringleaders are currently being detained in the police cell.
“On Monday, tensions were very high as youth from Nyabor/Pading arrived in the town, firing shots into the air and seizing the airstrip. There were approximately 40 to 50 of them, and they were reportedly mobilized by local politicians based in Juba who are interested in the commissioner’s seat,” he explained. “As of today, the situation is calm. Four individuals, including Char Thou and John Biet, have been arrested.”
Biel Jiek stated that the four suspects are under investigation and awaiting arraignment before the court.
Gabriel Char Thou, who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on Monday, explained that his family, supported by discontented youth, took over the airstrip to prevent the commissioner from returning from Juba while facing a lawsuit.
He alleged, “The commissioner kidnapped my 24-year-old son, Koang Kuac Thou, last week. The boy disappeared for a night and returned showing signs of being beaten.”
Gabriel continued, “My son filed a case against the commissioner, but he still intended to resume his duties. Naturally, the community was upset, leading to the tension that erupted.”
In response, Commissioner Bol dismissed Gabriel Char Thou’s accusations as unfounded and declined to comment further.