At least 14 people were killed and 18 injured in intercommunal clashes between armed youths from the Luacjang community of Tonj East County and the Pakam community of Rumbek North County, local authorities said on Thursday.
Officials in Rumbek North County in Lakes State and neighboring Tonj East County in Warrap State said the violence erupted on Wednesday after an elderly man was shot dead while farming in Bulo village in Malueth Payam, Rumbek North County.
Authorities identified the victim as Marial Mayek, who was reportedly attacked while cultivating his farm before his ox-plough bulls were forcibly taken.
Tonj East County Commissioner Machuei Bith Bol told Radio Tamazuj that six people from the Luacjang community and eight from the Manuer section of the Pakam community were killed in the fighting.
“We have spoken to youths from both sides and urged them to remain calm,” Bol said, adding that no further attacks had been reported on Thursday.
He said county authorities had dispatched security personnel to investigate the violence and apprehend those responsible.
Bol said seven people from the Luacjang community were wounded during the clashes and warned that administrative measures would be taken against anyone attempting to undermine peace efforts.
“Our message to both Luacjang and Pakam communities is to maintain the peace between them and avoid further violence,” he said.
James Kueinyin Meen, the medical officer in charge of Malueth Payam, said seven people sustained serious injuries while 11 others suffered minor wounds on the Rumbek North side.
He said armed youths allegedly from the Luacjang community attacked Bulo village, killing one man and stealing ox-plough bulls before local youths pursued the attackers, 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, the head chief of Malueth Payam, said the initial victim was killed while working on his farm.
“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 said 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 a peace agreement signed last year and refrain from further violence.
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