At least five people were confirmed dead in a clash carried out between Government and opposition forces at the outskirts of Yei town over the weekend.

Multiple eye Witnesses told Radio tamazuj that, heavy gun shots were reported along the Maridi road, Lutaya area, Sopiri, kaya road and Giru areas on Saturday.

The witnesses said as Christmas went on; there were also sporadic gun shots heard in Lutaya, Sopiri and few kilometres along the Yei-Maridi road on Sunday from 7: Am upto mid day.

Among the five victims killed, included four SPLA soldiers and one civilian who was later shot dead by the SPLA “Matiang Anyoor” soldiers while riding his motor cycle at reconcile area the same Maridi road.

The incident has caused panic among the civilians in the area as many could be seen relocating to settle in the town centre.

It was not clear what let to the fighting but SPLA-IO Equatoria sector spokes person Godwil Wai Bizi accused the state Government soldiers of attacking their positions.

“You know the SPLA in Government always targets civilians and causes panic among the public and they carried out the shooting meant to scare the peace of the people so that they can loot properties. But for us the SPLA-IO have never done anything” said Wai.

However, efforts to reach Yei River county commissioner to comment on the matter were not fruitful.