Nyala, January 10 (Darfur24)
Residents in South Darfur State reported on Friday that two men were killed in separate attacks by unknown gunmen in Nyala and Manawashi, raising renewed concerns over deteriorating security in areas north of the state capital.
A relative of one of the victims, Ibrahim Ahmed, told Darfur24 that Abu Hanifa Haroun, 28, was shot dead by gunmen riding a motorcycle in Nyala’s Al-Jir neighborhood while returning home from the mosque. The attackers reportedly demanded that he hand over a bag he was carrying. When he refused, they opened fire and fled.
Ahmed said the victim was a respected religious figure in the neighborhood, and his killing has left residents in deep shock and sorrow.
In a separate incident, residents of Manawashi town in Mershing locality said Suleiman Umda Ahmed was killed inside his farm in the Krikir area of Niteqa locality. They stated that armed men attempted to seize his mobile phone at gunpoint and shot him dead when he resisted.
Residents said armed robbery groups have increasingly appeared on roads linking Manawashi, about 86 kilometers north of Nyala, with surrounding towns, particularly in the Krikir area, known for onion farming. The groups reportedly target farmers and travelers, operating in the absence of effective law enforcement.
Local sources added that the Manawashi and Mershing areas have witnessed repeated incidents of looting and killings by unknown gunmen, with no arrests made by authorities so far.