An Mi-26 lift cargo helicopter landing in Abyei | Photo | Stuart Price

The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has called for “restraint and calm” among communities in the region after 8 people were killed in a road ambush over the weekend.

The violent incident occurred on 22 July along the highway of Todach to Goli, some 27 kilometers from Abyei town, according to the UN peacekeeping force.

“UNISFA troops have conducted search operations, as well as an investigation of the incident, but the perpetrators have proved elusive so far,” said the mission in a statement

The UN mission further confirmed that two persons, who were in possession of ammunitions, have been arrested.

It also said security measures have been stepped up on the highway leading to Amiet, a common market in Abyei.

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Abyei Administrative Area, Kuol Alor Kuol, says there have been frequent attacks by armed men in the area.

“All these attacks were done by unknown people and no one has been apprehended up to now,” Alor told Eye Radio.

The oil-rich region of Abyei is contested between Sudan and South Sudan.

Border demarcation is also pending as other eight areas are also claimed by the two sides.