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Authorities in Malakal, Upper Nile State, say calm has returned to the town following panic on Tuesday after three bodies were discovered in separate incidents.

Upper Nile State Information Minister Peter Ngwojo told Eye Radio that residents have resumed their normal activities after assurances from the government that the situation is under control.

“We have contained the situation after the spread of rumours that went out yesterday. People were running and all the shops were closed. Our people are quick to believe any information or rumours from untrusted sources. There was no gunfire or anything,” Ngwojo said.

He said the panic began after one body was discovered on Wednesday morning.

“What happened was that one dead body was discovered Wednesday morning and this created a lot of fear among citizens in the town as the security were still investigating about the fate of the body. By noon, another dead body was found killed in the eastern town. These created a lot of tension among people,” he said.

Security forces have arrested several individuals suspected of involvement in the killings and in spreading rumours, according to the minister.

He added that three other bodies were transported to Malakal Hospital from Fashoda County last week for further investigation and burial, which heightened fear among residents.

Health authorities confirmed that the bodies were received at the hospital.

Ngwojo acknowledged that public confidence in the organized forces and the government has declined following a series of incidents in the state over the years.

He called on residents to cooperate with authorities and avoid spreading unverified information on social media.

“Let’s all be realistic. Those who use Facebook and they are not in Malakal or the state, we should use it responsibly. What is your interest in creating tension in the area? We need to help our community to be in a good situation. Peace is the best option always,” he said.

“Those who are benefiting from instability, this will be a temporal situation. Once you accept stability, you will get a wider benefit. But at the end of the day, peace is the biggest option of all times.”