A woman was shot and wounded late Tuesday night during an exchange of gunfire between armed youth and security forces in Rumbek, the capital of Lakes State, local officials said.
The incident occurred in Makoi, John Garang’s residential area, when members of the organized forces clashed with armed youth moving through the town. The woman was hit in the back by a stray bullet and was taken to Rumbek State Hospital, where she is receiving treatment.
William Koji Kerjok, the acting minister of information in Lakes State, told Radio Tamazuj that the shooting erupted after security forces detected the movement of a large group of armed youth within the town, which is prohibited.
“The armed youth were in big numbers, and that was a threat to the security of the town,” Kerjok told Radio Tamazuj. “They are from cattle camps, but they are not allowed to enter the town carrying weapons.”
He said the gunfire appeared to have been an attempt by the youth to disperse themselves and avoid being intercepted by security forces. “We don’t know whether they were planning revenge or cattle raids, but such movements are not allowed,” he said. “Fortunately, there were no deaths — only one woman was injured in the crossfire.”
Kerjok said security forces are tracking down the armed youth, adding that those found responsible will be arrested and their weapons confiscated.
Dr. Teran Madit Teran, director of Rumbek State Hospital, also confirmed the woman’s condition. “Around midnight, during the sporadic shooting, a woman was brought in with a gunshot wound to the back,” he said. “It was an accidental injury from crossfire. She received treatment and is now in stable condition.”
Daniel Laat, a civil society activist in Lakes State, said the gunfire lasted for more than an hour and caused panic among residents.
“It was very unfortunate,” Laat said. “We urge the government to use targeted operations to arrest suspected criminals instead of firing indiscriminately and scaring citizens.”
He also condemned the practice of armed youth moving through towns with rifles. “Our youths should stop carrying guns in towns and villages. The rearmament has gone too far, and it continues to endanger civilians,” he said.