Nine killed in dog attacks in Lakes state’s Rumbek
September 24, 2014 (RUMBEK) – At least nine people have died in Lakes state’s Rumbek Central county after being bitten by stray dogs.
There has been more than 500 separate dog attacks on residents in Rumbek, while 40 people are also undergoing treatment.
Public health director Makur Ater said packs of stray dogs are moving into the town from cattle camps in increasing numbers, attracted by the butcheries and slaughter houses in Rumbek.
He urged health authorities in South Sudan, as well as humanitarian organisations, to assist Lakes state by providing medicine.
“We need [the] vaccination of dogs to be carried out in Rumbek town so that stray dogs are avoided,” he said.
PRICE HIKES
Meanwhile, market prices in Rumbek have been on the rise since last week after public transport connecting Rumbek to Juba and Wau was stopped indefinitely amid ongoing security fears and highway attacks.
Prices of meat have risen from 7 South Sudanese pounds (SSP) to 30 SSP, while 1kg of sugar is up from 10 SSP to 25 SSP.
SECURITY FEARS
According to local activists, ongoing insecurity in Lakes state posed an economic threat to the entire Greater Bahr el Ghazal region.
On Tuesday, an Egyptian man identified as Zecky Ali Syrian died after apparently being caught in the crossfire of an argument that turned violent.
According to eyewitness accounts, a quarrel erupted between a pastoralist and a police officer over their divergent views on Lake state’s military caretaker governor, Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol.
It’s claimed the policeman’s comments in support of maintaining Dhuol in power provoked the pastoralist who opened fire, killing the officer instantly, along with the Egyptian man.
Lakes state continues to be locked in a worsening cycle of violence, including cattle raids, highway attacks and tribal revenge killings.
Activist Moses Ater has urged the central government to intervene to resolve the crisis in Lakes state and address public concerns over Dhuol, who is accused of allowing his immediate family members to engage in highway killings with impunity.
However, president Salva Kiir Mayardit has so far ignored growing public demands for the caretaker governor to be removed.
(ST)