Pastoralist killed in Lakes state attack

December 26, 2014 (RUMBEK) – A pastoralist was killed when unknown people attacked Ayen village in the Lakes state, authorities told Sudan Tribune.

Thursday’s incident was confirmed by a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officer. He blamed communities for not sharing security-related information authorities.

“It is correct. 27-year old Bol Riak Ruop was killed and the suspect is still being searched for,” said the officer, who preferred anonymity.

Ayen village is located about 4km north of Rumbek Central county.

Meanwhile, recent statistics from CID officials point to a rise in cases of revenge attacks in the region. On Wednesday, for instance, 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,” further said the CID officer.

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 these calls.

Dhuol was appointed in January 2013 after president Kiir sacked the elected governor.

(ST)