Three people were killed and 10 others injured in a series of violent incidents following a cattle recovery operation in Uror County’s Pathai Payam, local officials said Friday.
Majok Chop, information director for Uror County, told Radio Tamazuj that the violence began Thursday when a group of young people pursued unidentified raiders to recover stolen livestock. One person was killed during the recovery operation.
After returning to Pathai, the group reportedly fired celebratory gunshots, sparking confusion in the town’s open-air market.
According to Chop, a woman in the market may have witnessed the gunfire and alerted her relatives, leading to a confrontation between community members.
“A resident of Pathai Payam pursued cattle that had been raided by armed criminals suspected of gang activity. Upon their return, after recovering the cattle, none of them were injured or killed on the front lines,” Chop said. “They later confirmed one person had died at the scene—allegedly as a result of tensions with local youth from Pathai Payam.”
The situation escalated into a violent clash between members of the Chiengkuon and Chiengbur families, who exchanged gunfire. By 6 p.m., authorities confirmed two more deaths: a girl from the Chiengkuon side and a man from the Chiengbur side.
Six others from the Chiengbur side—five men and one woman—were injured, along with four individuals from the Chiengkuon side, Chop said.
Local authorities said they have launched an investigation and urged residents to remain calm. Chop called for community cooperation to prevent further violence and misunderstanding.
Ter Manyang, executive director of the Center for Peace and Advocacy, condemned the violence and urged officials to ensure accountability.
“These were young people—future leaders of our country,” Manyang said. “Justice must prevail, not only for the sake of the victims and their families but for the future of our nation. We need citizens who are respectful, law-abiding, and committed to peace.”