Aweil man killed after dispute erupts at local football match

AWEIL – A community football match organized by youth in Malualbaai Payam in Aweil East County of South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, ended in tragedy on Friday evening after a dispute among players escalated into deadly violence, leaving a 30-year-old man dead.

Police said the incident occurred shortly after the match, when tensions that had built up during the game spilled over beyond the pitch. The victim was attacked while walking home and was stabbed in the chest by a group of young men believed to have been involved in the earlier dispute.

Lt. Colonel Akoon Akoon, the police inspector in Malualbaai Payam, described the killing as “deeply unfortunate” and warned that the situation has raised tensions within the community, with fears of possible revenge attacks.

“After the football match, a disagreement among the players escalated,” Akoon said. “The young man was waylaid on his way home and stabbed in the chest, which led to his death. This incident has created anger and fear among the people.”

According to the police, one suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing, while others have fled the area. The suspect, identified as Bol Arol, is currently in custody as investigations continue.

“We have apprehended one suspect so far,” Akoon said. “He told us that he acted together with others, but several individuals involved in the incident are still on the run. I have already contacted higher authorities to deploy additional forces to help maintain order.”

Police said the initial dispute was linked to disagreements over how the local football tournament was organized. However, conflicting accounts have since emerged from community members, with some alleging the violence may have been fueled by a love triangle involving a young woman. Authorities say these claims are still being assessed.

“There are contradictory statements coming from the community,” Akoon said. “At this stage, our priority is to calm the situation and ensure that the law takes its course.”

Security personnel have been deployed around the home of the deceased to prevent retaliatory attacks. The police have also appealed to the victim’s relatives and friends to remain calm and avoid revenge.

“Revenge killings only worsen the pain and insecurity,” Akoon warned. “What has happened in other states should not be repeated here. Our forces are on the ground to protect lives and prevent further violence.”

Community members say the incident reflects deeper social challenges, including alcohol abuse during the festive season and the absence of strong youth associations that could help resolve disputes peacefully. Residents also expressed concern over the widespread possession of knives and firearms, which they say has made it easier for minor disagreements to turn deadly.

The killing has renewed calls for stronger community engagement, youth organization, and stricter control of weapons, as locals warn that without such measures, young people will continue to face an uncertain and dangerous future.