Lakes state churches witness low turn-out

December 25, 2014 (RUMBEK) – There was low turn-out among congregations attending church services in the Lakes state capital, Rumbek on Thursday.

Statistics from Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officials point to a rise in cases of revenge attacks in the region.

On Wednesday, unknown people reportedly killed a person in Rumbek East county.

“There is continuous fear in Rumbek. On Wednesday, a motorcyclist was killed inside Rumbek town despite the security deployment. We are confused on what to do since the host communities continue not to share security-related information,” said a security officer who requested anonymity.

Lakes state has been blighted by cattle raiding since South Sudan gained independence from the north in July 2011, and continues to be locked in a cycle of inter-clan clashes and revenge killings.

Youth activists and traditional authorities have repeatedly called for the removal of the caretaker governor Matur Chut Dhuol amid claims he has failed to stem the violence. However, president Salva Kiir has so far overlooked the calls.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2012 after president Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)