At least two cattle keepers were killed in clashes with local farmers in Pochalla North County in South Sudan’s Boma state last week, a government official said.

Jay Alual, Commissioner of  Pochalla North County, told Radio Tamazuj over the weekend that cattle keepers who were moving with their herds clashed with local farmers on 25 January afternoon.

He pointed out that the incident took place when cattle entered onto cultivated land, a matter which angered the local farmers. “The cattle owners entered one farmland, but when a boy tried to prevent them, they forcibly chased the boy away,” said Alual.

“So, an armed farmer came to see what was happening, but the cattle owners opened fire on him. Luckily, he was not hurt and he exchanged fire with the attackers,” he added.

He pointed out that at least two herders were killed during the clashes with the local farmers and that the cattle scatted in the bush.

The local official noted that the incident caused fear and panic among local residents before the security situation returned to normal.