8 killed, 2 injured in Lakes state attack

January 13, 2015 (RUMBEK) – At least eight people were killed and two others, including a paramount chief injured, in an attack in Lakes state Cueibet county, officials said.

A police officer, who asked not to be named, claimed members of Waat clan attacked neighbouring Panyar clan in Tiaptiap payam.

“This was very sad. We have seen five women, two men and a small child killed. All of them were killed inside the house,” said the officer on Monday.

“Two other people, including paramount chief Marial Chilep, were injured,” he added.

Lakes state has been embroiled in a cycle of revenge attacks with many blaming the state government for allegedly failing to curb insecurity.

The situation recently worsened when a joint force of the police and military withdrew from all hotspots in the state, claiming they had no way to collect information due to community’s failure to cooperate.

Data from Lakes state Criminal Investigation Department reported an increase in crime-related incidences within the volatile region.

The attack comes barely a day after caretaker governor Maj-Gen Matur Chut Dhuol survived a deadly ambush staged by angry youth.

The incident, a security officer told Sudan Tribune, occurred between Lakes state’s Bharnaam and Mangarthou cattle camps and described the attack as the “worst ever”.

(ST)