The police in Yei River County reported three deaths in separate incidents over the weekend. According to Major General Yoasa Lujang Kamba, Police Chief Inspector in Yei River County, the incidents included two suspected suicide cases and a lightning strike that killed an 11-year-old girl. The incidents occurred in different parts of the county, with one of the suspected suicide cases happening in police custody.
One of the suspected suicide cases involved a man who allegedly hanged himself while in police custody in Mugwo. The man was being detained by his in-laws due to his violent behavior under the influence of alcohol. The police chief inspector explained that the man's in-laws had him detained, but he managed to escape and hang himself. The incident is one of two suspected suicide cases reported in the area over the weekend.
The second suspected suicide case involved the father of the 11-year-old girl who was struck dead by lightning. According to Samuel Kenyi Evans, the girl's uncle, the children were at home when lightning struck the girl. She had come back from school and entered the kitchen to cook when the incident occurred. The girl's father, Moses Batali, later took his own life in a nearby bush after receiving news of his daughter's death.
The 11-year-old girl, Gloria Aputu, was struck dead by lightning while cooking in the kitchen. Her uncle, Samuel Kenyi Evans, confirmed the incident, saying that the girl's death was a shock to the family. The incident occurred during a rainstorm, and the girl's death was confirmed by neighbors who tried to rush her to the hospital.
Authorities have urged residents to seek help and resolve grievances through peaceful and lawful means. Police Chief Inspector Gen. Lujang warned the public against acts that endanger human life, saying that suicide is a crime. He appealed to the people not to commit suicide and take the law into their hands.
Local leaders have also called for residents to speak openly about their problems and seek support. John Laila, an elder from the affected Godu clan, urged residents to share their problems with authorities who can address such issues. He encouraged people to seek help rather than resorting to suicide, saying that taking one's life is not a solution to problems.
The incidents have raised concerns about the increasing number of suspected suicide cases in Yei since the beginning of the year. Authorities attribute the rise to economic hardships, unemployment, and drug abuse. The police and local leaders are calling for residents to seek help and resolve disputes through lawful means to prevent such incidents.
Key points
- Authorities report an increase in suspected suicide cases in Yei due to economic hardships, unemployment, and drug abuse.
- Two suspected suicide cases and a lightning strike resulted in three deaths over the weekend in Yei River County.
- Local leaders urge residents to speak openly about their problems and seek support rather than resorting to suicide.
