Five fishermen were killed and another injured in clashes with gunmen in Abiemnhom East County of the Ruweng Administrative Area, an official disclosed.

The incident happened in the area of Abang-Abang on Tuesday.

Miakol Makuac, the Director General of the Information ministry in the defunct Ruweng State confirmed the incident on Wednesday.

"The clashes erupted when the gunmen came and asked the fishermen to get out of the river while fishing before clashing with them, killing five of the fishermen. The wounded person is currently receiving treatment at Abiemnhom hospital,” Miakol told Radio Tamazuj.

The local official said police officers pursued the attackers.

Miakol accused armed youth from neighbouring Mayom County of Unity State of carrying out the attack.

Local authorities in Mayom County could not immediately be reached for comment.