Boma State officials say nine soldiers have been killed in a clash between Cobra Forces and the SPLA in, Pibor, Boma State.

The fighting started last evening, but it is still not clear what the cause was.

However, local officials have been reporting tension between the guards of the governor, Baba Medan, and forces loyal to former administrator General David Yau Yau.

“Many areas were burned down and even most of the main market was burned down,” said Gabriel Amakori, Boma state coordinator.

Villages around Pibor town have been looted.

Mr Amakori says there will be a general search today to confirm how many people have been killed in the villages.

Former Information Minister in General David Yau’s former administration Sam David confirmed the fighting but said he had no details.

He told Eye Radio that the clash is not related to the replacement of Gen Yau Yau.

“Nobody can oppose the decision which came from our president. We accepted it since we heard the decree through which honorable Yau Yau was removed,” he said.

When contacted for comment, the SPLA General Headquarters in Juba referred Eye Radio to the director of operations in Pibor, General Samson Mabior.

But Eye Radio’s attempt to reach him could not succeed due to poor network coverage.

Meanwhile, the state minister of physical infrastructure, Khaled Boutrous, has resigned.

State officials told Eye Radio that Mr Boutrous is interested in the position of the governor. Mr Boutrous is yet to comment.