One Killed, Soldiers Wounded in Cattle Related Clashes in Lakes State

(RUMBEK) – A violent confrontation between security forces and armed local youth in Pachong Payam, Rumbek East County, left one civilian dead and five soldiers wounded on Saturday, following a pursuit of stolen cattle.

According to William Koji Kerjok, the Acting Minister of Information and Communication in Lakes State, the incident began after three herds of cattle were reported stolen. The owner lodged a complaint with police at Panakwach base, prompting an immediate response by organised forces who pursued the suspects.

Minister Koji stated that during the operation, the alleged cattle raiders resisted arrest and opened fire on the forces. In the resulting exchange, one suspect was killed and another captured. The injured suspect is currently in police custody in Rumbek.

However, misinformation quickly spread among the local community, with rumours suggesting that the suspect had been shot in his home. This claim, described by the Minister as false, is believed to have triggered a retaliatory attack by local youth on a military base in Pachong that was not involved in the initial operation.

“When the forces pursued the suspects, the criminals resisted and opened fire. During the exchange, one of the suspects was killed and another was arrested. Five soldiers were injured during the confrontation in Pachong Payam,” Minister Koji explained.

He emphasised that the forces demonstrated restraint, noting that they were operating within a populated area and additional personnel have since been deployed to stabilise the situation.

“The situation is now under control. The person who was shot was involved in cattle theft, and the law was followed,” he added.

Civil society leader Angelina Adhel Malual criticised the violence and called for a more disciplined response from both the community and the security forces. She warned that inaccurate information and retaliatory attacks could reignite past communal tensions in Pachong, an area previously known for violent conflict.

“This is a sign of a breakdown in law and order. The government must ensure security forces act within the law. Civilians and soldiers should not be clashing. The military is meant to protect, not to fight citizens. Pachong has enjoyed peace for years. Let us not go back to old wounds,” she said.

Malual urged Lakes State authorities to act swiftly to de-escalate the situation and prevent further violence. She encouraged all parties to remain calm and respect legal frameworks.