Gunmen killed at least 22 civilians and wounded 9 others Friday evening in an attack on Pakeer village at Maar payam in Twic East County in South Sudan’s Jonglei State.

Director of Health James Magok Mabyei told Radio Tamazuj that an armed group attacked the Pakeer area, killing 22 civilians including eight women and two little children, besides the wounding of nine others, some in critical condition.

“They had come from the direction of east, they attacked the headquarters of Maar payam, and the attack took place from 6:00 am until 7:00: am,” he said. “About 6 wounded people were transferred to Juba Military Hospital."

Magok revealed that the attackers also took 200 head of cattle, saying the perpetrators were wearing military uniform and equipped with heavy weapons.

The health official indicated that the local authorities couldn’t pursue the attackers.