Fighting has reportedly broken out among a Shilluk militia commanded by SPLA-Major General Ayok Ogat at Dithuok area, north of Fashoda County in Upper Nile State on Saturday afternoon.

Ex-militia commander Ayok Ogat, who joined the SPLA army, has recently been in the capital Juba while his forces remained in Wadakona under his deputy Yohanis Okiech.

A source told Radio Tamazuj that clashes erupted when a group within the militia under command of the deputy Okeich opted to support the government against SPLA-Major General Johnson Olony, who reportedly defected to the SPLA-IO rebels and took control of Malakal town.

At least three soldiers were killed and several others wounded during weekend’s clashes, according to the same source.

He further pointed out the deputy commander of Ayok Ogat deserted Dithuok and that he vowed to overrun Malakal from Olony’s forces.

Meanwhile, a military source alleged that Okiech decided to support the government after he was promised that a military governor who hails from the Shuilluk tribe will be appointed in Upper Nile if he fights alongside the government in Malakal town.

For his part, Fashoda County Commissioner Morris Adiang confirmed the fighting within the Shilluk militia in the area. However, the county official said he didn’t have more information about what had happened.