18/01/2026
SAD NEWS: Marriage-Related Dispute Claims Life of a Pastor at Malual Aheer Episcopal Church in Gogrial East - Lietnhom
A marriage-related dispute has turned violent in Lietnhom resulting in the death of Pastor Jeremiah Athian Mangong.
According to sources familiar with the incident the conflict reportedly began after Mr. Joseph Malueth Bol Akol impregnated Achinrin Wol Mangong, the niece of the late pastor Sources say Joseph Malueth promised to pay dowry to formally marry Achinrin, but later failed to fulfill the dowry obligations on time, sparking anger from the in-law side.
Pastor Jeremiah Athian Mangong an Uncle of the Impregnated girl subsequently opened a case against his in-law, accusing him of delaying dowry payment. As a result, Mr. Joseph Malueth was arrested on Friday, January 16, 2026. Later that same evening, at around 7:00 p.m., Mr. Joseph Malueth was released after being bailed out by his friend, Akot Nyiel Nuer.
Shortly after his release, the two men reportedly encountered Pastor Jeremiah Athian Mangong. Witnesses report that the pastor became angry upon seeing Mr. Joseph walking free on the same day of his arrest which resulted in A confrontation during which Pastor Jeremiah allegedly attempted to fight his in-law Joseph Malueth.
During the altercation, Mr. Akot Nyiel intervened attempting to help his friend and struck Pastor Jeremiah on the head and arm. However, the pastor sustained serious injuries and he was rushed to the nearby hospital in Lietnhom but he was transferred to Wau yesterday on Saturday 17th. January. 2026. However, internal bleeding occurred which resulted in his passing today 18th. January 2026 in Wau.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding arrests or legal actions following the incident.
However, efforts to reach the police on the ground were unsuccessful.
