Authorities from Bor County in Jonglei state appealed for calm among residents following two separate security incidents that disrupted an otherwise peaceful wrestling event in Bor on Saturday.
According to the Commissioner of Bor County Samuel Ateny Pech, the first incident occurred during the tournament when a violent altercation broke out between a man from the Nyara community and another from the Pariak community of Bor County.
The fight tragically left one person dead.
“This is an isolated incident, and the cause of the fighting is currently being investigated by the police,” Ateny said,
He urged both Nyara and Pariak communities to remain peaceful and allow the law to prevail.
In a separate development later in the day, a convoy carrying government officials returning from the wrestling arena came under attack by a suspected local armped group known as the Red Belt.
Security forces from the National Security Service escorting the officials engaged the assailants.
“Information regarding any casualties from the engagement is still being gathered and will be shared with the public once credible details are confirmed,” the Commissioner stated.
Ateny stressed that despite the disturbances, the overall situation in Bor County remains calm, with security forces pursuing the suspected attackers.
He also confirmed that all participants from Lakes State, who had traveled to Bor for the wrestling tournament, returned home safely.
The highly anticipated match between Bor County and YirolEast County concluded successfully before the violence broke out, with Bor County securing a 5–0 victory.
The Commissioner’s office condemned the violence and reassured residents that robust measures are being taken to safeguard peace and security across the county.