Two soldiers and a civilian were killed when an armed group ambushed soldiers escorting cattle from Kapoeta in Eastern Equatoria State on Thursday, a local official said.

The incident happened at Okuma Mafi on the Torit-Kapetoa road.

John Omoli, the Deputy Executive Director of the defunct Torit East County, told Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the armed youth attempted to raid cattle, but were repulsed by the soldiers.

“The problem occurred on Thursday at Okuma Mafi near Ilieu and Oming. These people attempted to raid cows from businessmen, but they clashed and two soldiers plus a civilian died,” he explained.

Valeriano Apwany Acalili, the chief of Ilieu village, confirmed the clashes between soldiers and gunmen who attempted to raid cattle.

“Most of the criminals are now running in the bushes and the village youth are searching for them. We need to arrest them and hand them over to the government,” he added.

For his part, Major General Adil Anthony, the police director in the now defunct Kapoeta State confirmed the incident, saying the highway has experienced frequent ambushes in recent weeks.

He said forces have been stationed at Okuma Mafi to restore calm.