11 killed, eight wounded in Lakes state clashes

February 5, 2015 (RUMBEK) – At least 11 people were killed and eight others injured in renewed inter-clan clashes in South Sudan’s Lakes state.

Officials say clashes erupted when Mayom Kuc, a brother to Lakes state minister of physical infrastructure, was found dead in his house.

Kuc worked at the state ministry of information and communication.

According to authorities, those killed were caught up in clashes between the Rup and Kuei clans following their colleague’s death.

It is believed a member of the Rup community attacked and killed the deceased attracting retaliation from his Kuei community people.

“The situation was tense, but the police with support from the SPLA [Sudan People’s Liberation Army] did its best to control it,” local government minister Jok Ayom said.

Meanwhile, the main market remained closed while the road to Rumbek East was blocked as security measures put in place by Lakes state authorities.

(ST)