Clash in Bentiu IDP camp leaves one person dead

By Chondok Stephen Magei

A 21-year-old man was killed and three others injured in a clash on Tuesday night at the Internally Displaced People’s Camp in Bentiu.

The incident is reportedly in revenge to clashes in 2020, according to Khan Chuol Doar, an officer with the Joint Police Force operating in the camp.

“The suspects escaped but the police are still after them,” Doar told Juba Echo from Bentiu.

“The three wounded people are in MSF hospital,” he said.

Doar said the attackers had a similar fight “some years ago with the decease’s relatives.”

He urged the IDPs to stay calm as police investigates the case.

“We will arrest them even if they escape away,” Doar said.

“Secondly we ordered the collection of spears, knives and pangas because we found out that revenge attackers were using those sharp objects for killing innocent people.”

Doar said night patrols have also been intensified in the camp to ensure attacks do not reoccur.

The Joint Police Force commander in the camp, George Banydeet Thokwath warned youths against attacking IDPs in revenge for past issues.

“I urge different youth groups to refrain from launching revenge attack, these issues happened when there were no polices in Bentiu IDP camp and now there are police,” Thokwath said.

“Those who take the law ion their wrong hands will see the law. Our duty is to keep laws and order.”