One of the huts that were burnt down in Gogrial East Count during a past conflict | Credtt | Courtesy

Authorities say calm has returned to Gogrial East County in Warrap State following three days of deadly intercommunal clashes that left 17 people dead and eight others injured last week.

The violence began on January 2 after an immediate cousin of a local chief from the Nyarmong section was reportedly killed by suspected assailants from the Jur Maan Anger section, according to state officials.

Officials said armed youth from the Nyarmong section carried out a retaliatory attack on January 3, killing one person from the suspected group. The situation escalated further on January 4, developing into widespread clashes that lasted three days.

The clashes resulted in the deaths of 17 people from both communities, with eight others sustaining injuries.

Speaking to Eye Radio on Wednesday afternoon, Warrap State Information Minister Mamer Bath said the situation had been brought under control following government intervention.

He said state authorities deployed forces to the area, adding that the fighting has since stopped and security restored.

“The situation in Gogrial is now calm. The situation is calm, it’s under control. The government controls the situation there, and the violence has stopped,” Bath said.