Authorities at Ayod County in Jonglei State demanded northern traders on Saturday to leave the area amid fears of attacks by a militia operating in Jonglei State particularly in Pibor County.

A number of traders at Ayod market in Jonglei state stated that the authorities in the county asked them to leave, accusing them of contributing to destabilize the security conditions in the area due to the presence of militias belonging to David Yao Yao which South Sudan government claiming they are supported by Sudan government.

The traders mentioned that the authorities in Ayod explained to them that this decision is the decision of the Government of South Sudan. They added that if this is the government’s decision then there is no space for discussion, and now they will have to complete selling their goods and merchandises and begin to leave the area after that.

According to those who spoke to Radio Tamazuj, there are about 100 northern traders in Ayod County, mostly from Darfur.

A source also mentioned that the roads to and from Ayod County are still closed due to rains and floods over the previous period and up until today, noting that this would make it difficult for traders to comply with the authorities’ decision.

In a separate report, UNMISS forces in Pibor are said to be on high alert today fearing an attack on the town. Clashes in nearby Likuangole broke out in recent days.