South Sudanese soldiers killed two civilians in Lakes state over what a government official described as false allegations, sparking a revenge attack by armed youth that left one soldier dead, an official said Friday.
The incident occurred Thursday night in Cueibet County, according to William Koji Kerjok, the state’s acting minister of information.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Minister Kerjok said the violence began when a military officer reported he was surrounded and called for rescue. Upon responding, members of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) encountered a group of more than 40 armed youth, and a firefight broke out, he said.
“In the process, two of these armed youth were killed,” Kerjok said. When the soldiers returned to their base, the armed youth attacked in retaliation, killing one soldier, he added.
Kerjok said the situation is now “contained” and security forces are patrolling the area. He confirmed that the officer who made the initial rescue call, identified as a major, and the owner of the house where the armed youth had gathered have been arrested.
“What triggered this situation will also be investigated. Why are they in the town? Why are they stationed in the house?” Kerjok said.
However, a local youth representative provided a different account to Radio Tamazuj, alleging the two civilians were deliberately shot by soldiers on the orders of a specific officer.
Chol Deng, a youth representative in Cueibet County, identified the deceased as Chol Dut Ruai and his nephew, Makuer Yom Dut Ruai. He said they were eating dinner at about 10 p.m. in a family compound when SSPDF soldiers, led by a captain named Panachuol, entered.
Deng claimed that after a disagreement with the homeowner, Capt. Panachuol ordered soldiers to open fire, killing the two civilians on the spot. He described Panachuol as a cousin of Lakes State Governor Rin Tueny Mabor.
Deng said the armed youth were in the town to provide protection for a local chief amid fears of revenge killings linked to a long-standing inter-communal conflict. He denied they were an offensive force.
The SSPDF spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.
Lakes State has recently experienced periodic violence, often tied to cattle raiding and communal clashes.