Authorities in Lakes State have confirmed that at least five people have been killed and eleven others sustained critical injuries in intercommunal clashes over a disputed cattle camp in Awerial County.

At least 45 people have been arrested in connection to the clashes between the Koc Acol and Koc Wol clans which erupted in the contested Makoi cattle camp on Wednesday. The clashes continued till Friday.

Lakes State caretaker information minister William Koji Kirjok told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the government is still combing the area for more suspects and will punish all found guilty. 

“The organized forces in Lakes State have restored calm and stability in Awerial county and about 45 suspects linked to the clashes over the contested cattle camp have been arrested and more suspects are being searched by the government-organized forces," he said. "After the arrest of more people, there shall be screening for those who got involved and those who did not get involved and the actual judgment will take its course immediately."

He adds, “In Awerial County, we shall continue to engage with the community leaders, and intellectuals to make sure that such an incident does not repeat itself anywhere in Lakes State." 

On the other hand, Awerial County Town Clerk Abraham Deng Cuei said government forces managed to control the violence saying they have created a buffer zone along the contested cattle camp. 

Deng said those critically injured have been taken to Bor and Juba for further treatment. 

According to him, more government forces will arrive in the county to maintain security.