Boda-boda drivers in Yei in South Sudan's Central Equatoria state protested Wednesday against the lack of fuel in the town.

The demonstration left eight petrol stations damaged and was dispersed by security with gunshots fired into the air, Radio Easter reported.

Yei Police Inspector Jeremiah Maker said over 30 boda-boda drivers were arrested and 70 motorbikes were confiscated. He said the motorbikes would be returned to the rightful owners if they identified themselves.

Mayor Santo Paul Lasuba said petrol station managers earlier warned town authorities that if the government did not increase fuel prices to nine South Sudanese Pounds they would instigate boda-boda and taxi drivers to riot.

File photo: motorcycles in Yei