Armed men raise their firearms. (Photo: Courtesy)

Authorities in Warrap State say a young girl was killed by celebratory gunfire during a celebration at a cattle camp in Tonj South County.

The State Minister of Information, William Wol Mayom, said the girl, whose name and age have not been disclosed, died after a civilian fired into the air during the Independence Day celebration last week.

“It was reported that an incident occurred at a cattle camp where people were celebrating Independence Day. One of the armed civilians accidentally fired a gun into the air, and the bullet struck and killed a girl on the spot,” he explained.

Mayom said the county commissioner intervened to calm tensions, while the suspected shooter has been arrested and investigations are underway.

“The girl is believed to be from the same community. The commissioner went there to help de-escalate the situation, and the suspect has since been apprehended. The situation has now been brought under control,” he said.

In a separate incident, the minister said a government driver was shot and wounded in a road ambush by unidentified criminals over the weekend.

Mayom said the county commissioner visited the scene on Sunday and met with local communities in Malual-Muok.

He said security forces have been directed to investigate the ambush and arrest those responsible.