Renewed fighting between the Boor and Ajiek sections of the Rup Community in Rumbek Central County left at least six people dead and ten wounded on Wednesday in Apet village, Malek Payam.

William Koji Kirjok, acting Minister of Information for Lakes State, attributed the violence to a long-running cycle of revenge killings between the two groups.

He noted that government mediation efforts had been ongoing for years, but the communities had repeatedly disregarded peace agreements.

“Even 14 days ago, the sides were separated as part of a resolution, with the Boor section moving their cattle to Rumbek East County to reduce tensions,” Koji explained. “Yet last night they mobilized and clashed in Apet village.”

The minister confirmed six deaths and ten injuries, though he cautioned that the toll could rise as security forces continue searching for people who fled into the bush.

Some of the wounded were evacuated to Rumbek hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Authorities have since separated the warring groups, and calm has reportedly returned to the area.

Investigations are underway to determine who initiated the attack on Apet village.

Koji urged residents to respect human life and uphold peace across Lakes State. He emphasized that the absence of the newly appointed governor—who remains in Juba for administrative meetings—does not excuse lawlessness.

“Perpetrators will be held accountable under the law,” he stressed.

Angelina Adhel Malual, chairperson of the Civil Society Organizations Network in Lakes State, condemned the incident as a dangerous resumption of revenge killings and communal violence.

She pointed to similar incidents reported in recent days across Rumbek East, Rumbek North, and Rumbek Central counties.

“The Gelweng (youth herders) appear intent on returning to old patterns of conflict, and we are deeply concerned,” Adhel said.

She called on community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and urged security forces to fulfill their duties regardless of the governor’s location.

Adhel also appealed to the national government to bolster the new governor with sufficient security personnel to curb escalating violence.

She encouraged NGOs and other partners to intensify dialogue and reconciliation initiatives among the affected communities.

The clashes highlight persistent challenges in managing cattle-related disputes and intercommunal tensions in Lakes State, a region long plagued by revenge cycles despite repeated government and civil society interventions.