At least 18 displaced people, who fled to Likuangule town after attacks by gunmen on their villages in Likuangule and Lilobok Counties in Boma State, have died of hunger, a local official said.

Earlier this month, over 4,000 villagers fled to Likuangule town after a group of gunmen from the Lou Nuer tribe attacked their areas in mid April.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, John Achuan, Minister of Information in Boma State, said at least 18 people among the conflict-displaced families have died of hunger over the weekend.

“I want to tell you that the government does have anything to help its people now, but we have managed to send some organizations to assess the situation in order to send them some food,” he said.

The official further said they had received nearly 8,250 internally displaced people from Nanam, Kongor and Lilobok areas. He added that the displaced people are currently living in Likuangule town, amid harsh humanitarian conditions.

Achuan appealed to humanitarian agencies to assist the needy people as soon as possible before their situation deteriorates further.