Bentiu IDP Camp incident in Unity State
A businessman selling mobile phone airtime was shot and killed by a police officer in Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp on Tuesday morning. Authorities say the incident triggered an internal inquiry and led to the officer’s arrest.
Where the shooting happened in Bentiu IDP Camp
Officials said the shooting took place in Sector Two, Block Seven of the camp in Unity State. The victim was identified as Lony Kuok Chuol, described by authorities as a camp resident originally from Mayiendit County.
Victim taken to Bentiu hospital, later dies
After the shooting, Lony Kuok Chuol was rushed to Bentiu hospital, according to authorities. He later died from his injuries, a development that community representatives in the camp also confirmed.
Police investigation and officer arrest confirmed
Unity State police spokesperson John Malieth confirmed the incident and said the officer responsible has been taken into custody as investigations begin. Malieth said the killing was not intentional, while also noting that the circumstances are unclear and under review by police headquarters (Unity State police spokesperson John Malieth).
Witness accounts and procedures under review
Police said preliminary information from the scene is still being compiled. Investigators are gathering witness accounts and reviewing operational procedures in the area at the time of the incident, with Malieth saying more details will be shared as the investigation progresses (Unity State police spokesperson John Malieth).
Community reaction inside Bentiu IDP Camp
Community leaders in Bentiu IDP Camp said the death has caused deep shock among residents. Mawich Gatjiek Jiech, chairperson of the Mayiendit community in the camp, said the officer was arrested shortly after the shooting by security personnel (Mawich Gatjiek Jiech).
Burial plans for Mayiendit County
Mawich Gatjiek Jiech said arrangements were made to transport the body to Tutnyang Payam in Mayiendit County for burial. He said community members were concentrating on funeral preparations while awaiting further information from authorities (Mawich Gatjiek Jiech).
Civilian safety concerns in IDP settings
The killing has raised concerns among residents about police conduct and civilian safety inside the IDP site. Bentiu IDP Camp hosts tens of thousands of displaced people who rely on small-scale trade, including airtime sales, to support daily livelihoods.
Accountability process and next steps
Unity State authorities had not issued a formal statement on possible disciplinary or legal proceedings against the arrested officer, according to the report. Police officials said internal and legal processes would follow once the investigation establishes the facts (Unity State police spokesperson John Malieth).
Residents and community leaders are calling for transparency and accountability as they await official findings, reflecting the high sensitivity of security incidents in communities living in fragile conditions.