Maj. Gen. Daniel Justin, the Spokesperson of South Sudan National Police Service, Tuesday 9th Aug 2022. Credit: Charles Wote/Eye Radio.

The police in Juba said six people were killed on Tuesday after armed civilians fought the organized forces over a land issue in Kworijik Boma, northwest of the capital.

National Police Spokesperson Major General Daniel Justin said the deadly incident started on Tuesday after Juba County authorities visited the area to identify the lands that belong to the government and the community.

General Justin said armed men opposed the local government policy and clashed with the security forces.

The police official said the fighting erupted near a funeral place and that the victim are civilians caught in the crossfire.

“Our people of Juba County Land authorities visited Kworijik to locate lands of the government and land of the community. But what happened is, the community strongly opposed the step and they had force with them and heavy clashes occurred,” Justin said.

General Daniel confirmed to Eye Radio that 53 people were arrested, and an investigation is ongoing.

“We as the police arrested 53 people and during the clashes, 6 people lost their lives we filed a case in Kubri-Haboba Police station and an investigation is going on. So this is what happened yesterday.”

General Justin said the situation in the area is calm.