Nimule calm after sporadic gunshots
November 24, 2015 (SSB) – Residents of Nimule had their morning breakfast interrupted at 7:25am when sporadic gunshots sent shocking waves across the border town but normalcy is now restored, officials say.
The shooting started in Abila suburb and children from Loqilili primary school had to disperse in panic. Soldiers from the Tiger battalion, the troops from the Presidential unit guarding the strategic border town, were involved in a shootout with unknown gunmen. It is not clear who the armed men were but residents give contradicting accounts of the event.
“We were just starting our first lessons when soldiers started shooting into the forest and our teachers told us to leave school immediately,” said one student from Loqillili, identifying herself as Monica in a telephone interview with SSB.
Another Nimule resident, Ajang Mike, said the soldiers mistook some armed residents clearing the forest for new settlement for unknown gunmen.
“These armed men did not return fire but ran towards Nimule town,” said Mike, speaking to SSB from the scene of the shooting.
“The soldiers were on routine patrol when they saw the armed men in the forest and open fire on them. No one is injured,” Mike added.
Government officials at custom offices told workers to close offices and the town remained locked down most of Tuesday morning.
Nimule is the main gateway to South Sudan from Uganda and Kenya and customs revenues from Nimule account for 80% of national non-oil revenues.
More details to follow.
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