Lakes state: 12 killed in fresh revenge attack

September 30, 2014 (RUMBEK) – Fresh clashes in South Sudan’s Lakes state on Monday left at least 12 people from one family dead, authorities told Sudan Tribune.

The revenge attack occurred in Lakes state Cueibet county.

“The dead include a nine-month old child, two women and elderly people. They were killed in one house,” said a police officer who preferred anonymity, adding “Three of the attackers were killed”.

At least 52 people, officials say, were killed in various attacks within Lakes state this month, depicting an increase in cycles of violence.

A criminal investigation department officer confirmed the attack, describing it as a well coordinated move, targeting only one family.

“This attacks was well planned attack, the whole family [members] have been killed. A child two women were among the dead,” he said.

Meanwhile, a former lawmaker who represented Pagor payam in the state assembly prior to the 2010 elections has been arrested allegedly on orders of the state governor, Maj. Gen. Matur Chut Dhuol.

Joseph Maker Mathiang allegedly accused the governor of having failed to governance state according to his constitutional mandate.

Mathiang is being detained at Bros and Company under a heavy guard military unit, relatives said.

Several activists, students, intellectuals and traditional leaders have repeatedly demanded the removable of the caretaker governor, but their requests have been ignored by president Salva Kiir.

(ST)