RUMBEK — Heavy fighting between armed youths from the Nyang and Pakam communities has spread to residential neighborhoods across Rumbek town, leaving an unconfirmed number of dead and wounded.
The violence initially broke out on Thursday in Nyangkot village on the outskirts of Rumbek, resulting in four reported deaths.
Clashes escalated sharply at approximately 5:00 AM on Friday, reaching deep into the state capital and prompting terrified residents to flee their homes for safety in nearby villages, including Ronga, Cueiadukan, and Adol.
As of Friday morning, active combat was reported across multiple neighborhoods, including Makuriric, Malual-Akan, Maborngap, Achol-Then, Malith, and Akuac.
Lakes State Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Elijah Mabor Makuac confirmed that government security forces have been deployed to contain the violence and disarm the armed youths.
While the exact casualty toll from Friday’s clashes remains unverified, the wounded are being rushed to Rumbek State Hospital for medical treatment.
Civil society leader Daniel Laat Kon strongly condemned the outbreak and urged authorities to provide heightened security and protection for patients and medical staff at hospitals and health centres.
Kon also reported that armed youths vandalized and looted the Rumbek police headquarters amid the chaos.
