Police Arrest Over 20 Suspected Gang Members After Yei Street Fights

(YEI RIVER COUNTY) – Authorities in Yei River County have arrested more than 20 suspected youth gang members following recent violent clashes that have caused fear among residents.

Commissioner Emmanuel Taban Seme confirmed the arrests on Saturday during a church service at Christ the King Parish under the Catholic Diocese of Yei. He said the operation was part of a wider plan by the county government to restore peace and order in the area.

According to the Commissioner, the arrested group includes both young men and women who had been fighting each other using pangas, leaving several people injured.

“Some of the criminals are still being tracked down, but the government will not rest until there is calm in the community,” Taban said.

He urged the youth to stay away from gang activities and avoid late night gatherings that could expose them to crime or sexual abuse. The Commissioner also appealed to parents to guide their children more closely, noting that many young people fall into crime because of poor parental supervision and economic hardship.

“Without proper parental care, children grow defiant and end up joining the wrong groups amid the current economic hardship,” he said.

The arrests come amid growing concern from religious and community leaders about the rise in youth violence in Yei. During the same event marking the first anniversary of All Saints Choirs Day, Bishop Alex Lodiong Sakor Eyobo of the Catholic Diocese of Yei called on young people to build their spiritual lives and reject violence.

“Our youth should strengthen their faith and avoid actions that destroy their future,” Bishop Lodiong said, adding that the church remains a pillar of peace and moral guidance for the community.

Father Tom Poru, another priest in the diocese, urged the government to combine law enforcement with rehabilitation programmes for young offenders. He said that mentorship and counselling could help youth reform and reintegrate into society rather than being neglected after arrest.

The All Saints Choirs Day celebration, held at Christ the King Parish, drew hundreds of faithful who joined in prayer and music while calling for unity, peace, and moral renewal in Yei River County.

A statement from the office of the commissioner stated the crackdown will continue until all gang members are arrested and peace is fully restored in the town.