A 35-year-old man identified as Otifo Koi has been shot dead by his nephew, known as Kitik Okil in Hiyala Payam in Torit County, Eastern Equatoria State.

The incident happened on Wednesday evening after Kitik fired at his uncle, killing him on the spot.

It is not clear what triggered the shooting, as the assailant fled the village after the incident.

According to sources on the ground, when the Monyiemiji tried to arrest the suspect, he fired bullets to manoeuvre his escape from the village.

Late Otifo was sleeping in his residence when his nephew entered the compound and opened fire on him.

Ilieu Chief, Aurelio Jamus, told The City Review that the investigations carried out after the incident indicated no existing problems among the family members.

“It is not known why he killed him. That is something he had in his heart. He did not tell anyone. Yesterday, when I went to investigate the incident, they said there was no problem, “said Aurelio.

He lamented that there has been no related incidents since he came to the village and asserted that the Otifo’s death was so mysterious.

The chief urged his men to be tolerant of one another and welcome outsiders to maintain peace.

“This issue is sad and there has never been an incident like this here in Ilieu since I was brought to this village. This man just died without any problem, they did not even rival over anything as simple as a cow.

“I always tell them that we are all brothers. No one should mistreat another. Even when someone comes from outside, make sure you take good care of him or her,” Aurelio continued.

However, Hiyala Payam Chief, Galileo Ohide, confirmed the incident and said it might have been triggered by previous grudges.

“The man ran and when the Monyiemiji tried to arrest him, he was also shooting at people [to scare them so that he could run to the bush]. They said there was no quarrelling. We are suspecting that maybe there were issues earlier that led to this killing” said Galileo.

He urged the nearby villages to cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the suspect is arrested once he appears in their area.

 “My message to the people is that these practices cannot help us. When you have a problem, go to the chief and the chief will call that person and talk to you in the presence of the people. When you are found to be worth your right, you will be given by law,” he said.