One killed as land dispute turns deadly in Aweil East

AWEIL – Authorities in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have detained a 35-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing and killing a 57-year-old man during a land dispute in Aweil East County.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at around 6:00 p.m. in Warguet Boma, located along the border of Baac Payam. According to police, an argument over a piece of land escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in the death of Garang Majok Athian.

Speaking to Akol Yam FM on Wednesday, the state police spokesperson, Col. Madut Ngong Aleu, said the altercation turned fatal when the suspect allegedly attacked the victim with a knife.

“What happened is that a dispute over a piece of land resulted in the death of a 57-year-old man called Garang Majok Athian on Tuesday at around 6:00 p.m.,” Ngong said. “They quarrelled over the land, and it led to his death after he was stabbed.”

Aleu confirmed that the suspect is currently in police custody while investigations continue. He said authorities are recording statements from the suspect and witnesses before forwarding the case file to the prosecutor for further legal action.

“The suspect is being detained as investigators work around the clock to gather testimonies. Once the statements are completed, the case will be forwarded to the prosecutor,” he explained.

Police have opened a case against the suspect under Section 206 of the Penal Code, which relates to intentional homicide.

Aleu urged residents to refrain from taking the law into their own hands when disputes arise and instead seek lawful means of resolving conflicts.

The killing has reignited concerns over rising land-related violence in the state. Just last week, another deadly dispute was reported in Kunyuk village in Yargot Payam, Aweil East, where a local chief was killed, followed by the retaliatory killing of an intellectual who had been mediating peace talks after years of tension over land ownership.

Residents are now calling on the government to take firm action to address land conflicts and strengthen peacebuilding efforts in the state, long regarded as one of the country’s most stable regions.