The United Nations Interim Security Forces for Abyei (UNISFA) say they are holding five people in connection with the deadly attack on Ngok Dinka civilians.

On Wednesday morning, at least 32 civilians, including children were killed in an attack in the general area of Kolom, about nine kilometres north-west of Abyei town.

Abyei authorities said the attack wounded at least 24 others, while 15 children were abducted and 22 houses were set ablaze.

The armed attack was reportedly perpetrated by a large number of Misseriya armed men.

UNISFA spokesperson Daniel Adekera told Radio Tamazuj this afternoon that five suspected Misseriya tribesmen arrested at the scene of the incident are currently in their custody.

“Our night patrol left at about 6:00 am as attested to by the locals. The attack took place at around 07:00 am, and the new patrol team that was to take over rushed to the scene and arrest of the five suspects was made,” he explained.

Adekera pointed out that the suspects are being interrogated to establish their link to the deadly attack.

Abyei has been contested since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, while there have long been tensions between Misseriya Arab nomads in the north and Ngok Dinka people in the south.

Abyei is now under the administration of the UN interim security force.