Businessman arrested in Rubkona amid dispute with County Commissioner

BENTIU – Authorities in Koch County have arrested a businessman identified as War Diu in neighbouring Rubkona County of South Sudan’s Unity State in an early morning operation on Tuesday, with family members linking the detention to a previous dispute with the county commissioner.

According to relatives, Diu was apprehended at around 6:20 a.m. in Rubkona market and is currently being transferred to Koch County. The reasons for his arrest remain unclear.

Speaking on Wednesday, Gatkuoth Biel, Diu’s family member, told Sudans Post that the arrest was carried out under the direction of the recently reappointed Koch County Commissioner, Gordon Koang Biel. He alleged that the detention may be connected to an earlier disagreement between Diu and the commissioner.

Biel explained that the dispute arose following a past killing incident involving a relative, after which the family compensated the victim’s relatives with cattle. However, he claimed that an additional 30 cows were later taken during a mobile court session in Bentiu without justification. The court reportedly ruled that the 30 cows be returned to Diu.

He further accused the commissioner of targeting members of the Jagei community, a claim that could not be independently verified.

“The very first action taken by the newly appointed commissioner, even before officially opening his office, has been to target members of the Jagei community,” Biel said.

The arrest has sparked concern among Diu’s family and the wider community, who are demanding clarification and his immediate release.

“We strongly condemn this arrest and demand immediate clarification on the reasons behind it. We also call for his safe and unconditional release,” Biel added.

He also warned that the commissioner would be held accountable if any harm befalls the detainee, urging authorities to ensure transparency and uphold citizens’ rights.

Meanwhile, Unity State Minister of Information and Communication, Nyakenya Johannes Keah Ruai, said she was not immediately aware of the circumstances surrounding the arrest but pledged to investigate.

“I am going into a meeting that will take about three hours. After that, I will be able to gather details and provide a comment,” she said.