At least five people have been confirmed dead and several others injured in a fresh attack in Jonglei State’s Akobo County on Monday, according to a local official.

Puok Nyang Tutjiek, the commissioner of Akobo County, told South Sudanese local press that a group of heavily armed Murle youth from the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) invaded Nyandit Payam in a surprise attack on Monday morning.

“This (Monday) morning at 5 a.m., armed Murle youth attacked one of our payams near Akobo. They attacked Nyandit Payam and five people were confirmed dead and they also wounded some people,” he said. “Fighting is still ongoing because the youth from Akobo town rushed to the scene, fought back, and pushed the attackers to nearby bushes. People in Akobo town are still hearing gunshots.”

Nyang strongly condemned the attack and called on GPAA authorities to control and stop Murle youth from committing crimes.

When contacted, Abraham Keleng, former GPAA information minister who was moved to the youth and sports docket, said he could not speak on behalf Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) because he has been replaced by a new information minister who has yet to assume office.

Despite many goodwill agreements after community dialogues and peace conferences, cattle raids and abductions persist in the greater Jonglei region.