Son kills father as domestic dispute turns deadly in Aweil West

AWEIL – A 23-year-old man allegedly killed his father in Mariem-West Payam of Aweil West County of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State in an incident that has shocked the community.

According to local authorities, the tragedy occurred last weekend in Makuac-Chimel Boma after a domestic dispute escalated into violence.

The deceased, identified as 60-year-old Deng Yel, had reportedly engaged in a quarrel with his wife. During the confrontation, his son, Yel Deng Yel, intervened.

Witnesses say the argument intensified, leading the son to fatally attack his father. Residents allege that the suspect was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

Police Inspector Atak Wol Kiir of Udhum Police Station in Mariem-West Payam confirmed the incident and described it as deeply disturbing.

“What happened is that the old man, Deng Yel, had a squabble with his wife over a familial problem. In the process, his son, identified as Yel Deng Yel, joined the heated argument and eventually killed his father,” Wol explained.

He added that the suspect has been apprehended and is currently in police custody while the family makes arrangements for the deceased’s funeral.

“It is bewildering that one would kill the very person who raised him,” Wol said, expressing shock at the incident.

He urged community members to refrain from resorting to violent or irrational decisions, especially within family settings. Such acts, he said, reflect cowardice and inhumanity. Instead, he encouraged the public to seek lawful avenues to resolve disputes.

In a separate incident in Aweil Town, state police reported the death of a 25-year-old man who allegedly took his own life at Ayuang residential area earlier this week.

Police spokesperson Madut Ngong Aleu said preliminary investigations are underway to determine the circumstances and possible motives behind the young man’s suicide.

Community leaders and observers say the rising number of violent and self-harm incidents is a troubling trend linked to harsh economic realities, limited employment opportunities, and growing frustration among youth. Many believe that these pressures contribute to desperation, family conflicts, and emotional instability.

The incidents have renewed calls for the government to intensify efforts to engage young people in productive activities and address the root causes of social distress.

However, stakeholders note that ongoing political uncertainty and governance challenges continue to complicate meaningful progress.