(Cuibet County) – At least five people were killed and 15 others injured during a violent outbreak of intercommunal fighting in Cuibet County, Lakes State, on Monday, according to a statement made by Member of Parliament Juol Nomngek in the national assembly.
Speaking before parliament, MP Nomngek revealed that the clashes erupted between rival communities from two neighbouring Payams (administrative divisions), resulting in fatalities, injuries, and the displacement of many local residents.
The lawmaker expressed deep concern over the government’s continued failure to ensure public safety in the region, warning that the absence of a strong security response could lead to more bloodshed.
“Many were also displaced in the fight between two Payams,” Nomngek said. “The government must act urgently to prevent further loss of life.”
The violence is the latest incident in a long series of intercommunal tensions that have frequently erupted into armed conflict in Lakes State.
Over the years, the region has suffered repeated outbreaks of fighting, often triggered by cattle raids, revenge killings, or disputes over land and grazing rights. Despite repeated government pledges to restore peace and security, the area remains volatile and in need of sustained intervention.
Nomngek criticised national and state level security institutions for what he described as a lack of decisive action.
He urged authorities to not only respond to the current incident but also to put in place long term measures to address the root causes of intercommunal violence in the region.
The MP did not give details on the specific number of people displaced or the extent of property damage, but he emphasised that entire families had been forced to flee their homes and now require urgent humanitarian support.
Local residents have in the past appealed for the deployment of national security forces to restore calm and ensure the safe return of displaced communities.
Calls have also been made for dialogue between warring groups and the involvement of traditional leaders in peacebuilding efforts.
