By Yang Ater Yang
Police in Lakes State have reported the killing of one person and the wounding of another in Deng-nhial, a residential area in Rumbek town.
Police spokesman Maj. Elijah Mabor Makuac stated that the incident occurred on Thursday at around 7:00 PM when unidentified armed men attacked residents, resulting in one fatality and one individual currently hospitalized in Rumbek State Hospital.
According to preliminary information, the attackers are suspected to belong to the same community, specifically the Niel-niel section of Pakam.
The assault is believed to be a revenge attack.
“Investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators,” Makuac said.
“The victims were not the intended targets; young men had entered a house to hide, and the actual victims were sitting in an open area when the attackers opened fire before fleeing the scene.”
Following the incident, police quickly responded, evacuating the victims and searching the area, but the attackers escaped capture.
Civil society activist Daniel Laat Kon commented on the incident, mentioning a related case in Cueibet County where another person was killed with a spear.
He expressed concern that such incidents signify a return to conflict in Lakes State.
“These events indicate a breakdown in peace and tranquillity,” Kon noted. “Revenge killings are likely to occur if the government remains unresponsive to violence. Strengthening security and implementing patrols in residential areas are crucial.”
He pointed out that the current police presence is limited to the Rumbek market, leaving neighbourhoods like Maborngap, Akuac, and Deng-nhial vulnerable.
He said there is a need for increased protection and evening patrols.
Activist Laat also urge the government to consider disarming civilian populations, as rearmament is evident in cattle camps and villages