At least six people were killed and one wounded in intercommunal violence in Rumbek Central County of Lakes State on Wednesday, police said.  

The incident occurred at Patuweng cattle camp.

The state police spokesperson, Col. Elijah Mabor Makuac, told Radio Tamazuj that the fighting involved the Nyang and Amothnhom sections of the Kuei community.

He said misunderstandings between two young men from the two rival communities in Rumbek Central County caused the violence.

"A young man came and drove his cows into a ground prepared by another young man and the two fought using hands and later involved guns. Six people died and one was wounded,” said Makuac.

The police officer said chiefs, intellectuals and youth leaders have stepped up efforts to deescalate tensions between the two sections.

Lueth Marial Bouc, a community chief in Rumbek Central County, strongly condemned the clashes that erupted at the cattle camp. “We urged the youth on both sides to desist from fighting,” he said.

The traditional leader urged authorities to expedite the disarmament exercise in the state.