Cueibet County authorities in Lakes State have apprehended four people in connection with the killing of two brothers in a dispute over a girl.

The incident occurred on Tuesday in Cueibet County.

William Koji Kirjok, acting Minister of Information and Communication in Lakes State, said the matter arose from a disagreement over a girl that led to the tragic deaths.

“One of the young men went to engage the girl and apparently clashed with her brothers. In the process, the same girl intended to shoot and killed two brothers on the spot. Security forces have been pursuing the suspect, who is close to being arrested and will be held accountable,” he said.

Koji emphasized that anyone taking the law into their own hands will face justice. “Lakes State is for peace, and whoever tampers with it is tampering with the law,” he said.

John Maluak Machut, Executive Director in Cueibet County, confirmed that the clash involved Gelwong armed youths at a local cattle camp. “The Gelwong youths clashed over the girl, but the situation is now under control.

Three suspects, including the alleged murderer and their ring leaders, are in police custody. The situation is calm,” he said.

Daniel Laat, CEPO Coordinator in Lakes State, condemned the violence, highlighting the recurring nature of such disputes. “This fighting started over a girl and resulted in two deaths.

The perpetrator was also injured. Our communities need to stop fighting over girls. Using girls as sources of wealth leads to deaths and continued cycles of revenge,” he said.

Laat called on the government and community members to intervene.

“We urge the perpetrator to turn himself in and for both sides to engage in dialogue to prevent revenge killings. Girls should be respected as human beings and not treated as commodities over which people kill,” he said.

Authorities are continuing investigations and pursuing the main suspect to ensure accountability and prevent further violence.