Two aid workers were killed along with four people after an armed group attacked them in Duk County of Jonglei State on Monday, a UN humanitarian agency said Thursday.

According to reports, South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places in the world for aid workers even after the country’s five-year civil war ended in 2018.

Mohamed Ag Ayoya, the interim humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, condemned the killing of the aid workers and four community members in Duk County.

In a statement, Ayoya called for swift action by authorities to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel in the country.

He revealed that the slain humanitarian workers were attacked by gunmen when providing healthcare and nutrition services to mostly women and children in the Pajut town center of Duk County.

Ayoya pointed out that the two deceased aid workers are South Sudanese nationals.

"I strongly condemn the killing of civilians and aid workers and ask for those responsible to be brought to justice," said Ayoya.

The UN official says although the fear of further attacks is palpable in the town, the NGO will continue to provide healthcare and nutrition services in Pajut town. 

"The incident is the sixth and seventh aid worker death in South Sudan in 2020 and brings the number of humanitarians killed since 2013 to 122. Most have been South Sudanese nationals," said Ayoya.