Torit County Commissioner German Charles Ojok says that Hiyala Payam has been deserted by local residents since inter-communal clashes last week and the number of houses burnt is 149.

He told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that families fled the area due to the inter-communal fighting, saying the families haven’t yet returned back. He further said about 149 houses were torched and many residents' properties were lost. 

The commissioner pointed out that security forces have deployed in the area and managed to control the situation, but the local residents still fear to come back.

The official added they intend to send an assessment team to the area in order to provide assistance to the conflict-affected families.