Two Sudanese traders were killed in Rubkona, the town just across from the Unity State capital Bentiu, and another was kidnapped near the UN base in Bentiu where over 7,000 people have taken refuge.
Bentiu is in the hands of the defected SPLA commander James Koang, who declared himself military governor of the state on 20 December.
Local witnesses reported to Radio Tamazuj that the security situation in the town is poor and the humanitarian situation is increasingly desperate.
The Nuba traders Haidar Kuku and Adel Ibrahim were killed on Wednesday in Rubkona at 4:30 p.m., allegedly at the hands of forces loyal to Riek Machar.
Another trader, Adam Ismail, was kidnapped and the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of 2 million pounds for his release.
About 2,800 Sudanese traders are staying inside the base, with most of the rest of the approximately 7,000 civilians there being Dinka.
Traders say that the Rubkona market was totally destroyed and looted. They have asked the UN and the government of South Sudan to relocate them to Yida camp in the northern part of Unity State.
“We as northerners staying in the camp are asking that we be sent up to the refugee camp in Yida,” said a Sudanese trader inside the base in Bentiu.
He also warned that there were security problems within the base: “There is not good coexistence among the citizens inside the camp.”
Related coverage:
Unity State economy in collapse as traders flee to Abiemnhom (1 Jan.)
Measles cases inside UN camp Bentiu (1 Jan.)
Photo: A market in Bor after looting (AFP)