24 people killed in Jonglei clashes

By Philip Thon Aleu

September 21, 2009 (BOR) – 24 people are counted dead and 11 injured in Duk-Padiet’s Sunday attack, Gov. Kuol Manyang says.

Speaking to organized forces Monday morning in Bor, Gov. Kuol indicates that 5 National Security soldiers, 1 prison officer and 2 policemen are among the dead. Others are civilians.

More southern Sudan army troops have been deployed to Duk on Sunday to reinforce the SPLA there, the governor says.

The Governor further says the heavily armed raiders are led by one adamant identified as Chibetek (a coiled name meaning ‘will never survive’), armed with a brand of Gimp 3 and loaded with ammunitions, the gunmen are organized to the teeth.

The raiding group is believed to be a youth from neighboring Lou Nuer. Deputy Gov. Hussein Mar while in Lou Nuer areas on September 17 – 18 failed to convince them to stop raids. His efforts to avert the planned attack were reportedly rejected by Chibetek, the commander of raiders.

A high level team comprised of state officials will visit the scene today Monday.

(ST)