Bor authorities arrest 19 suspected youth gangs members after violent clashes

The Mayor of Bor Town says 19 suspected members of rival youth gangs have been arrested following violent clashes and attacks on residents last week.

John Dut Kuch, the Mayor of Bor Municipal Council, says the suspects were arrested during a security operation launched after reports of violence and attacks on members of the public over the weekend.

Kuch identified the groups as Black Warriors and West Coast, saying their members were allegedly involved in criminal activities, including phone snatching, robbery and attacks on residents.

“There was an issue involving youths who call themselves crews. These young people are influenced by drugs, and they fight among themselves. We are not sure of all their groups, but we have heard of groups called Black Warriors and West Coast. These are the groups that clashed two days ago. They often rob people and are armed with pangas…” he explained.

According to the mayor, the clashes later spread into residential areas, where members of the groups allegedly attacked residents and attempted to steal mobile phones.

He says the state government, in collaboration with the Bor Municipal Council, launched a security operation to address the violence, leading to the arrest of 19 suspects.

Kuch says the suspects are currently in detention awaiting trial.

The mayor says investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the clashes.

The arrests come amid concerns over youth gang violence, robbery and public safety in Bor Town.