The opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) has denied its involvement in the killing of a chief and abduction of two women in Morobo County of Central Equatoria State last week.

In a March 27 statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, the opposition group said its forces had no hand in the death of Chief Santino Oliver as claimed by Elizabeth Alomo Eli, an area lawmaker.

“The accusation is false and aims at tarnishing the image of the forces of NAS as both incidents took place in areas under the control of the government and SSPDF [South Sudan People’s  Defense Forces],” read the statement signed by NAS spokesperson, Suba Samuel Manase.

Separately, the armed group claimed five government soldiers attacked Moya village in Lasu payam with intentions to arrest a male civilian.

“On failure to apprehend him, the soldiers assaulted his wife and an 11-year old girl and gang-raped them,” the group said.

NAS further condemned crimes allegedly committed by the military, urging the international community to investigate these incidents.

The SSPDF spokesperson could not easily be reached for comment.