Unity state shooting claims one, injures two others

January 12, 2016 (BENTIU) – A woman was killed and two others injured in a shooting in Jeizira area, west of South Sudan’s Unity state capital, Bentiu.

Lunyjow Manyuan Gatdet, the deceased’s husband, said five shots were fired on to his wife’s body, describing the situation as “very severe”.

Gatdet admitted the huge presence of pro-government in the area.

An eye witness separately told Sudan Tribune that the shooting occurred inside Mathoyoh village, some few kilometers from Bentiu.

Weirial Puok Baluang, a press secretary for the armed opposition appointed governor of Unity state accused government forces of “murdering civilians”, allegations Sudan Tribune could not independently verify.

Baluang said their forces were stationed on the other side of Naam River, further claiming that pro-government forces be held accountable for the incident.

“Today, we received sudden news that three civilians were killed in a shooting instigated by pro government forces. We have been monitoring their usual activities in the area,” he said.

A resident of Bentiu, only identified as Mary, said 70-year old Mun Koy Bayah was seriously wounded and admitted in a hospital operated by the international medical charity, Medicines San Fronties (MSF) in Unity state.

(ST)