Seven South Sudanese refugees have been arrested following the murder of an 18-year-old youth during a gang-related clash at Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement in Adjumani District.
The deceased, identified as Garang Mabior Wuor, a resident of Block A, Cluster 2, Djaipi Sub-County, was attacked on Saturday evening around 7:45 p.m. during a confrontation between two rival gangs operating within the settlement.
Collins Asea, the North West Nile Regional Police Spokesperson, explained that Mabior succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving at Adjumani General Hospital, after he was struck on the head with a panga during the altercation.
“He was immediately rescued and rushed to Nyumanzi Police Station to report the incident. Efforts to provide medical treatment were undertaken at Adjumani General Hospital; however, regrettably, the victim succumbed to his injuries upon arrival,” Asea said.
The seven suspects, including Nun Deng Kuany, Ayuel Maluk, Buol Ayiei Kuir, Yaak Dang Manyiel, Ajhok Ajoy, Bior Cheng Bior, and Gugu, are currently being detained at Nyumanzi Police Station.
Preliminary reports indicate that Mabior and the suspects were formerly members of a criminal group known as the 44 Gang. A faction later split to form the “Clean Heart Gang,” reportedly sparking hostility that culminated in Saturday’s deadly clash.
Shauib Toko, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Adjumani, called on refugee leaders and the community to foster peace, reconciliation, and unity among the youth.
“We call upon refugee leaders and the local community to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity among the youth within the refugee settlements. Let us work together to maintain harmony and prevent further violence,” Toko said.
Nyumanzi Refugee Settlement, which was established in January 2014, hosts over 40,000 refugees, largely from South Sudan and mainly of the Dinka tribe, according to the latest statistics from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
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