Lower Shabelle, Somalia – On Sunday, a deadly outbreak of clan violence in Dudumay, near Wanlaweyn in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, claimed the lives of at least six members of the same family, including children. The violence erupted after an elderly man was brutally beaten to death and his body set on fire, triggering retaliatory attacks between rival clans.
Residents described the area as tense and chaotic, with homes damaged and families fleeing to escape further bloodshed. Survivors are grappling with the trauma of losing loved ones in a sudden and violent attack. Local elders have appealed for restraint, warning that unchecked revenge could escalate into wider conflict across the region.
Authorities have launched an investigation, but ongoing insecurity and deep-rooted clan tensions continue to hinder efforts to restore order. Humanitarian groups have expressed concern over the safety of civilians, particularly children and women, caught in the cycle of violence.
Sunday’s tragedy highlights the persistent instability in Lower Shabelle, where longstanding disputes over land and clan rivalries often erupt into deadly confrontations, leaving communities in fear and mourning.