Authorities in Jonglei State’s Bor County said they have apprehended 11 chiefs representing rival clans involved in last month’s deadly fighting over fishing rights at an island in Baidit Payam.

At least four people were killed and three others injured when elements from Angakuei and Pathuyith clans clashed following a dispute over fishing rights in late August.

Speaking to South Sudanese local broadcaster Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Bor County Commissioner James Gai Makoor said calm had been restored following the deployment of security forces and that 11 traditional clan leaders were being detained as part of an ongoing probe.

He said a force has also been stationed at the scene of the incident to guard it and hunt those involved in the killing.

“We have deployed a force to provide patrols in that fishing village and along the river. The suspects are hiding and our forces are there to have them arrested,” Gai Makoor.

“In the meantime, 11 chiefs from Angakuei and Pathuyith have been arrested and they are now being invested,” he disclosed.

The County Commissioner condemned the incident and called for restraint.

“All those directly involved in the killing are still at large but our forces are out there to arrest them. This latest incident is a reminiscent of what happened in 2021 and we are working to find a solution.”