The Greater Pibor Administrative (GPAA) information minister has called on aid agencies to come to the aid of thousands of people who were displaced last weekend when an armed group from Ethiopia attacked the Nyat area of Jebel Boma County.

Minister Abraham Kelang told Radio Tamazuj Tuesday that calm had returned to the area but that the displaced people’s situation remains dire.

“At least 9 people were killed and 11 others injured when an armed group attacked the Nyat area on Saturday morning. The security situation is now calm after the attackers withdrew to the Ethiopian side of the border,” he said. “Up to now, no civilians have returned to Nyat because the entire village of 500 homes was burnt to ashes.”

“About 1,500 displaced households are currently in Jebel Boma town without food, shelter, and water so we are appealing for relief aid,” he added.

Kelang condemned the attack which he said was carried out by armed elements from Ethiopia’s Gambella region. He said diplomatic channels were being pursued to arrest the situation.

“On the side of the attackers, 14 were killed and they were wearing Ethiopian police uniforms,” he said. “As we speak, our chief administrator is in Juba to engage the national government on this matter.”

Meanwhile, John Koko Maze, the GPAA peace advisor, called on the national government to intervene and restore peace in the restive area. He however said that the details of Saturday’s incident remain scanty but acknowledged that the Nyat population was displaced to Jebel Boma town.

Radio Tamazuj was not able to reach the authorities in Ethiopia’s Gambella region or the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba for comment.