The Governor of Jonglei State says more than 280 people were killed on both sides during an attack on a locality in Duk County four days ago.

Philip Aguer Panyang says the gunmen attacked Pajut village on Friday last week.

He told Eye Radio that the people killed include women and children.

“Among the dead were women and children,” Mr Aguer told Eye Radio. Unfortunately, those who are dying [on the grounds] are sons and daughters of South Sudan.”

The cause of the attack is unclear. However, the governor said the area is now relatively calm after the deadly attack.

Mr. Aguer says most of those killed were attackers. He said it is now calm and those displaced by the fighting have returned to their homes.

He suspects the attackers were members of the SPLM in Opposition forces and came from the direction of Bieh State. The IO is yet to respond to the allegation.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information of Bieh State has called for calm following the attack.

Peter Gatkuoth told Eye Radio that they have discussed ways to prevent similar clashes in the future.

The government of Bieh State is still working from its coordination office in Juba.

“We call upon the President to give the necessary material and political support to Bieh State government so that it can equally relocate to its headquarters within the state to popularize the peace agreement and render services to the citizens,” he added.

(Additional information by Magdoline Joseph