Map of Upper Nile State. (Courtesy).

The local government in Akoka County of Upper Nile State said it is investigating the incidents of killings targeting fishermen from neighbouring Fashoda County, occurring in Akoka. 

On Monday, Fashoda commissioner Joseph Aban said at least eight fishers have been gunned down in recent months.

Mr Aban alleged that the perpetrators were soldiers stationed at Lul Bridge in Akoka County.

He said the last incident occurred on 16th February 2024, when some men in uniform shot and killed a man at a swampy fishing area on the eastern bank of the Nile River.

The unnamed victim was killed after two of his colleagues left for Biu to market their fish.

Fashoda Commissioner Aban also pointed fingers at soldiers stationed at Lul Bridge in Akoka County. He further said several other incidents in the past five months have now claimed the lives of eight fishermen.

Akoka Commissioner Majok James Chol told Eye Radio on Thursday, that his administration is investigating the incidents and will follow legal procedures.

“Criminals, of course, have no colour, and we are investigating the identity of those criminals, and wherever they are, and we are investigating through known legal procedures to be presented to the justice,” he said.

Majok said the findings of the probe will be submitted to the South Sudan judiciary to ensure justice and accountability.

“Any criminal will get punishment according to the crime that he committed. Therefore, any crime does not have a relation with the whole community because crime doesn’t have an element of mutual criminality.”

Commissioner Majok said his people do not instigate conflicts but ensure peace with the neighbouring counties.

“We in Akoka County, we are very careful about peace cooperation with our neighboring counties especially Fashoda County which we have with them historical relations,” he said.

“We are not warmongers. Rather, we are for peace, we as the county authorities, cannot attack our citizens, our priority is to protect our citizens that are inside our territory.”