Somalia, 8 November 2025 — Authorities in South West State's Wanlaweyn district have confirmed the arrest of four individuals in connection with the murder of an elderly man in the village of Dudumaay, located on the outskirts of the district.
The killing, which was captured on video and widely circulated on social media has raised tensions and generated widespread public anger.
The video, recorded last Friday, shows the elderly man being beaten senseless by unidentified individuals before setting his body on fire.
The Mayor of Wanlaweyn, Abdiqadir Mohamed Abdillahi, confirmed the incident during a press briefing on Saturday, adding that investigations are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend all those responsible are underway.
“Security forces have conducted operations in the village where this heinous crime occurred, and four suspects have so far been arrested. The operation is still ongoing,” said Mayor Abdillahi. “I assure the public that we will bring all those involved in this act of violence to justice, no matter who they are.”
The South West State Government strongly condemned the incident, calling it a "terrorist act" that threatens peace and stability within the community.
In a statement, the South West State Ministry of Information said the attack was an act of cowardice and aggression aimed at destabilizing the community and undermining public safety.
The ministry reaffirmed the regional government’s commitment to ensuring peace and stability across all areas of its jurisdiction.
"The South West State Government will not tolerate any actions that disrupt the security and stability of our citizens," the statement read.
The local government extended condolences to the family of the victim and urged the public to remain vigilant against groups seeking to spread fear and division within the community.
Local sources confirmed that the killing was linked to an ongoing clan conflict in the area, further escalating tensions between local tribes.
