By Matik Kueth
At least 20 people were killed and 38 others injured during a violent inter-communal clash over the weekend in Tonj North, Warrap State, according to local authorities. Wol Mayom, the Information Minister for Warrap State, confirmed to King News on Monday that the conflict erupted between subclans of the Lou community in Alebek Payam, Tonj North County.”
“Yes, on the 12th of October 2024, the communities of Lou of Alebek Payam Tonj North County clashed again as a result of the buildup of tension in the area. So, the fighting erupted and 20 people killed, 38 wounded, both sides,” Mayom said.
He stated the dispute between the two Lou communities began in 2019 when they disagreed about the county name in the now-defunct state of Tonj North.
According to Mayom, the fight was reignited by a particular person who, after briefly escaping, returned to Alebek Payam and sparked retaliatory killings.
“It is renewed by the issues related to revenge and killing, but the recent conflict on the 12th of October 2024 was incited by a person who has escaped and a most wanted criminal in the area and came back with a supernatural performance system, inciting the communities to again fight,” he stated.
He said the Payam was flooded, the people injured could not obtain aid, making it difficult for the government to step in and for the victims to be taken to the county’s Primary Health Care Centre.
“On the side of wounded people, because all of the Payam is cut off by this flooding in the area. So, it is not accessible during this time. So, it is very difficult for the government to intervene even sending the forces to the area,” he stressed.
He noted that the fighting has forced civilians to flee and emphasized the urgent need for assistance because they have been spending the night in open areas.
“People are in dire need of tents because they are sleeping in unopened areas. Also, people are looking for first aid, especially on the side of elderly people and vulnerable groups. They are actually in a serious critical call,” he lamented.
He added, “So far, we have laid down security strategies, especially the county authorities were directed by the state government to block all the entrances to the area.”
According to Mayom, the security personnel seized a truck that was heading towards Alebek Payam on Sunday.
He stressed that three suspects were apprehended and transported to the Tonj North County headquarters for additional investigation after eight bags containing grenades and firearms were discovered inside the pickup.
Mayom pointed out, “At the moment, the situation is calm from yesterday 13. Because they have also run out of ammunition supply in the area. So, there is no conflict from yesterday and this morning, and we are monitoring it.”