RUMBEK – At least two people, including a breastfeeding mother, were killed and three others injured in separate alcohol-fueled incidents in Rumbek Centre County, Lakes State, state officials said on Wednesday.
William Koji Kirjok, Lakes State’s acting information minister, said a man shot and killed a colleague in Malek Payam’s cattle camp after consuming alcohol.
Security forces dispatched to the scene clashed with civilians, leaving two officers critically wounded.
“When our forces intervened, they came under attack, leading to injuries. The government will ensure all those involved are held accountable,” Kirjok said.
Kirjok condemned alcohol consumption, banned in Lakes State, and blamed it for triggering violence.
“Those producing or consuming alcohol will face legal action. These incidents underline the harm alcohol causes in our community,” he said.
Another incident occurred at Yar cattle camp, where a man, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, shot a woman who later died from her injuries.
“These tragedies are a direct result of alcohol abuse,” Kirjok added, urging local leaders and administrators to enforce the ban.
Daniel Laat Kon, another state official, expressed concern over the resurgence of violence.
“We’ve seen isolated incidents escalating into larger conflicts, with reports of armed civilians and renewed cattle raids,” he said.
Laat urged the state government to convene a county-level conference to address the issues, calling for the disarmament of civilians and reconciliation among communities.
Dr. Teran Madit Teran, medical director at Rumbek State Hospital, said the facility treated three injured soldiers from the clashes, with one undergoing surgery for serious abdominal injuries.
“The soldiers are in stable condition,” Teran said. “We also conducted post-mortem examinations on two bodies brought to the hospital, revealing fatal chest injuries caused by gunshots.”
Officials say investigations are ongoing, and security forces have been deployed to restore order.
