South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
At least eight people were killed and 18 others injured in Saturday clashes between rival clans over grazing land in Terekeka County, Central Equatoria State.
“The communities of Jor and Koggi fought themselves over a small grazing area, leading to the death of eight people and injuries of 18 others,” Jacob Aligo Lo-Lado, the Acting Minister of Information and Communication for Central Equatoria State told journalists.
His remarks followed the visit to Terekeka of the State Governor, Augustino Jadalla Kamilo Wani , on Saturday.
Aligo stated that the fighting caused destruction of numerous homes and displacement of several families, mainly women and children from Koggi village.
“The entire, or almost entire, village of Koggi was displaced and in Tarakeka town, a number of buildings or structures for the citizens were brought down,” he said.
Some of the displaced families are sheltering at Terekeka Primary School.
Aligo disclosed that the Governor led a delegation of State officials to the area to deescalate the violence and restore order.
He disclosed that local authorities and security organs in Terekeka had brought the situation fully under control.
“They deployed security to the contested area and ensured that no person or group of people was allowed to make any activities in the area until the state government resolved the problem immediately in the few days to come,” said Aligo.
He added that the Governor had ordered the deployment of security forces to stabilize the area and to prevent any further conflict.
Aligo assured the displaced people and residents that the state government is committed to a peaceful and sustainable resolution.
Paramount Chief of Terekeka County Abraham Gai, commended the Governor’s leadership and expressed confidence in the government’s ability to resolve the crisis.
“We are thankful for the Governor’s presence. We now look to the government to handle this matter with urgency and care,” said Gai.
