At least one SSPDF officer has reportedly been killed and hundreds of cattle raided in Torit Town of Eastern Equatoria State on Friday.
The incident occurred during evening hours at Sherikat Military Barracks there.
Authorities in the area did not identify the officer by name or rank but said he was killed during a fire exchange with the attackers.
Maj. Gen. John Lunj, the Acting Police Commissioner in Eastern Equatoria State told Radio Tamazuj that security forces in the area are investigating the circumstances.
“They took cattle and killed one person but still up to now we are in follow up of these criminals which area they are heading to,” Gen. Lunj stated.
He urged the local population to remain calm as the government carries out its task to arrest the situation.
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore on the hand pledged his commitment to ensuring the state enjoys relative peace by hunting down the criminals in the area.
“I would like to assure the people of Eastern Equatoria state that my administration will continue with its efforts to consolidate peace and stability in the state,” he said. “The dangerous criminals who were threatening the safety of the innocent people along the highways and other passengers have been arrested and taken to face justice.”
Eastern Equatoria State has continued to experience repeated attacks despite efforts by the state government to contain the situation.
About a week ago, at least eight people were reportedly killed in revenge-related clashes between communities of Eastern Equatoria and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area.