Crime scene ribbon. [Photo: Courtesy]KUAJOK – A man who was reportedly offered shelter for the night before continuing his journey the following day allegedly opened fire on a family in the early hours of Sunday morning in Ajak-Kuac Payam of Twic County, Warrap State, leaving four people critically wounded.

The suspect, identified as Puok Malual Yak, is said to have been travelling to Unity State when he arrived late and requested a place to spend the night at the home of a local resident. According to authorities, the family accommodated him in one of their rooms, expecting him to resume his journey peacefully the next morning.

However, police say the suspect later cocked his gun and began shooting at members of the household while they were asleep.

Speaking to Mayardit FM on Monday, Col. Peter Maroor Maluil, a police inspector in Ajak-Kuac, said the incident occurred at around 3:00 a.m.

“What happened over the weekend in Ajak-Kuac is that a man was given a place to sleep, but in the early hours of the morning, he cocked his gun and shot family members, leaving four people critically wounded,” Maluil said.

He added that local armed youth in the neighbourhood responded to the gunfire and shot the suspect during the confrontation.

“The suspect was later shot by local armed men, and the victims were rushed to Mother Teresa Hospital and Mayen Abun Hospital, where they are receiving treatment,” he said.

Maluil blamed the attack partly on suspected drug use, saying investigators later discovered that the suspect may have been under the influence of narcotics at the time of the shooting. He confirmed that the suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.

The police official urged residents to remain cautious when hosting strangers, especially in border areas where tensions and unresolved communal feuds continue to fuel insecurity.

He noted that local authorities have already imposed restrictions on night travel and social gatherings in an effort to curb violence in the area.

“People are still living in fear because of the continued proliferation of firearms and the long-standing conflicts among neighbouring communities,” Maluil said.

Despite ongoing government efforts to restore peace between rival communities in bordering states, insecurity remains a major concern in parts of Warrap and neighbouring regions.