By Yang Ater
At least two people were killed, including a breastfeeding mother, and three soldiers were injured in separate incidents in Rumbek Central County, Lakes State.
William Koji Kirjok, the acting Minister of Information and Communication for Lakes State, reported that the violence began in Malek Payam at a cattle camp, where a drunken man shot and killed one of his colleagues.
Kirjok explained that when security forces were dispatched to the scene, they faced further attacks, resulting in two officers sustaining critical injuries.
“When our forces were sent from the headquarters to intervene, they decided also to carry on an attack, and the security forces also responded. As a result, two of them were critically injured, and the government will make sure all of them are held accountable for the incident,” he explained.
The minister stated that alcohol consumption is prohibited in Lakes State.
“Those found in possession of alcohol will be investigated, and the law will take its course,” he warned.
He noted that another incident, also linked to alcohol, took place at Yar cattle camp, where a woman was shot and subsequently died from her injuries.
“These incidents are all connected to alcohol consumption,” Kirjok reiterated. “The situation escalated when security forces arrived, leading to further gunfire and injuries among the officers.”
Currently, the injured soldiers are receiving treatment at Rumbek State Hospital.
Kirjok stated that the operation to address civilian casualties is ongoing, and further details will be provided as the situation stabilizes.
Daniel Laat Kon, civil society activist noted multiple incidents over the past few days have occured including a shooting in the Rup community.
He expressed concern that the events indicate a return to conflict, driven by issues such as cattle raiding, theft, and alcoholism.
“The state government must reassess what went wrong,” Kon stressed. “We have enjoyed relative stability for nearly two years, but now violence is re-emerging, and we are seeing civilians rearming themselves.”
He called for a county conference to discuss the root causes of the unrest and urged the governor to summon commissioners from affected areas to address the situation.
Dr. Teran Madit, the medical director of Rumbek State Hospital, confirmed that the hospital received casualties from the recent clashes, including three soldiers wounded by gunfire.
“All three are alive and receiving treatment,” he reported, adding that one soldier underwent surgery for serious injuries.
Dr. Madit also mentioned that two deceased individuals were brought to the hospital for postmortem examinations, with preliminary findings indicating injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
The hospital has seen a rise in cases related to violence, including a woman who was shot in the chest and later died.