Africa-Press – South-Sudan. At least 17 people have been killed and eight others wounded after three days of deadly inter-communal clashes in Gogrial East County, according to Warrap State authorities.
The violence erupted on January 2 after an immediate cousin of a local chief from the Nyarmong section was reportedly killed by suspected assailants from the Jur Maan Anger section.
Speaking to Eye Radio, Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Bath said armed youth from the Nyarmong side carried out a retaliatory attack on January 3, killing one person from the suspected section.
The situation then escalated into widespread clashes on January 4, turning the incident into a three-day deadly conflict.
Bath said 17 people from both communities have been confirmed dead, with eight others injured as of yesterday.
“Seventeen people have been killed on both sides, and eight others wounded. The conflict began after the Sultan of the Nyarmong community was killed by an assailant group suspected of having ties to criminals.
“Following the attack, the perpetrators fled toward Jur Man Anger territory. In pursuit, members of the Nyarmong community retaliated by killing one Jur Man Anger individual, believing that community to be responsible for the Sultan’s death. This cycle of revenge has fuelled the continuing violence,” he said.
The minister said the situation has since been brought under control after the state government deployed security forces to the affected areas to restore order and prevent further violence.
He further revealed that the state government plans to launch a forceful disarmament exercise targeting the two communities to prevent future clashes.
“We decided to move in additional forces to enforce a forceful disarmament, because without it, the cycle of violence would continue. Furthermore, the governor has established an investigation committee, which is expected to arrive today,” he added.
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