By William Madouk
A land dispute between the residents of Jor and Koggi in Terekeka County escalated into deadly violence, resulting in multiple casualties and displacements.
A deadly land dispute over a contested grazing area that occurred over the weekend resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, 18 others wounded, and many families displaced, mostly women and children, from Koggi village.
The clashes took place in the agricultural region of Maduria, involving both heavy and light weapons. Homes in Koggi Boma were set ablaze, resulting in panic among residents.
Terekeka Secondary and Primary schools have been closed and are now sheltering displaced families. The violence has shocked local leaders and prompted a swift response from state authorities.
Central Equatoria State Governor suggested that the violence is politically instigated. Governor Augustino Jadalla stated that there are implications of deeper political issues influencing local conflicts.
“This problem is not caused by you it is stirred by political actors with selfish agendas,” Jadalla told displaced residents. “You are all Mundari people. Unity, not division, must define our way forward,” he said.
The governor ordered additional security forces and pledged to support with food, medicine, and temporary shelters.
Helpless women in Terekeka County looking at thier huts burned to ashes following clashes between two communities.
Acting Information Minister Jacob Aligo confirmed the displacement of nearly the entire Koggi community.
“We saw damage even in parts of Terekeka town. But the governor’s presence has helped reduce tensions.” Aligo stressed.
Paramount Chief Abraham Gai praised the governor’s leadership and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to resolve the crisis. Chief Gai emphasized the need for urgent and careful government action.
“We are thankful for the Governor’s presence. We now look to the government to handle this matter with urgency and care,” Chief Gai affirmed.
Investigations are underway to determine the source of weapons and the root causes of the dispute.
Authorities are preparing a report on the damage and potential long-term relocation needs for the displaced population.
Concerns have been raised over unresolved land conflicts and the increasing militarization of local disputes. This incident is one of the deadliest communal clashes in Central Equatoria this year.