By Deng Ghai Deng
Authorities in Jonglei State have dispatched police forces to quell deadly clashes between rival communities of Duk and Twic East Counties.
Maj. Gen. Elia Costa, the Jonglei State police commissioner, confirmed that nine people were killed and eight others wounded during clashes between the Hol section of Duk County and the Ayual section of Twic East County. The violence erupted at the Bioth-Agany fishing island on Friday.
“In response to the incident over the past two days, we have dispatched our forces to stabilize the situation and ensure safety in the area,” Gen. Costa stated.
According to Gen. Costa, casualties included nine deaths from the Hol side, with four others injured, while four individuals from the Ayual section sustained injuries.
“We have deployed additional police forces to Bioth-Agany Island to restore law and order and apprehend suspects,” Gen. Costa added, urging calm among the affected communities.
“We emphasize the need for peaceful coexistence. Our role is to enforce the law and protect all citizens. We stand ready to assist and support the communities,” Gen. Costa reassured.
The recent violence follows a similar incident last month when seven people were killed and ten injured in an attack by suspected assailants from Twic East County on an island in Duk County.
Tensions between the Twic East and Duk communities have boiled since mid-October last year, marked by sporadic clashes over disputed fishing rights at the Bioth-Agany site.
The unresolved death of Deng Dau, a prominent wrestler known as Deng-Moradong, further exacerbated tensions, with suspicions of foul play involving armed individuals from Duk County.