Tensions high among W. Bahr el Ghazal communities

December 20, 2014 (WAU) – A revenge attack in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state has sparked tension between communities in its Jur River county.

The county commissioner, John Arop Apai, said Friday’s incident involved youth from Alel-Thony payam and those from Kangi pay am (district).

“On Friday evening, youth from Kangi payam ambushed and killed the executive chief of Athor Boma in Alel-Thony payam, Chau Ucu Chau, known as Malual Thon, along with his bodyguard, Mabior Chau, while returning to his home area from Kangi payam,” said Apai.

The incident was reportedly in revenge after a civilian from Kangi payam was killed at a local mobile market by clan youth last week.

“The chief was first to be killed after being shot dead on the head,” said Apai.

“In a county authority response to the incident, we sent in joint security forces to the area to quell down the situation,” he added.

Some Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials have been dispatched by personnel to go and arrest those suspected to have been behind the killings.

“Legal procedures are underway through local chiefs to identify the killers,” said the commissioner.

However, eyewitnesses told Sudan Tribune that several people were seen fleeing into bushes to escape from possible revenge attacks.

(ST)