The founder of an orphanage in Torit Town has confirmed that about 300 children have been trapped on a

battlefield between government and opposition forces in the area.

The children are between the ages of 4 and 14; some of them are not orphans and were brought by their parents who are teaching at the center on the outskirts of the town.

On Wednesday, the head of UNMISS, David Shearer, told Journalists during a press conference in Juba that armed groups have taken positions on both sides of the orphanage.

He said UNMISS had dispatched a patrol team of peacekeepers to check the conditions of the children.

Mr. Shearer also said the governments granted UNMISS access to the area after the mission made a request to patrol the area.

Today, the founder of Hope for South Sudan, Romano Ogumo, confirmed to Eye Radio that the center is in the middle of the opposing forces.

“They [government forces] are just like 30 meters from the fence and they shell and shoot from there,” Mr Ogumo said. “Children have run away from classes.”

When contacted for comment, the SPLA Spokesperson, Brig. Lul Ruai Koang, said he heard of this report and was cross-checking the information with the military commander in the area.

“As soon as I get the correct version from our local commander, I will come on air to share the right information with people of South Sudan and other concerned people,” Brig. Ruai told Eye Radio.

It has not been confirmed if UNMISS peacekeepers have reached the orphanage.