Thousands of Tambura internal displaced persons queuing for verification in Ezo County Western Equatoria State on July 26, 2021 | Credit |Mustafa Bona

A renewed attack in Tambura County of Western Equatoria state has left 11 people dead.

Authorities say hundreds of families have again been displaced by the fighting.

William Baiki, the State Minister of Information says the violence resumed on Saturday after the body of an officer of the Criminal Investigation Department was found a day he went missing.

“There was one of the CID by name John Kandagari, he was kidnapped by the group of the paramount chief and taken out. The guy was found slaughtered by the group along with four other people,” William said.

“The same group went to the other side of Yubu river in Sanakpuro area, they went and started attacking the area and burning some houses. When this happened,

“Those people whose houses were burnt on the side of Sanakpuro, mobilized themselves then they came and attack the people at around 11 am which proceeded from 4 pm up to 6 pm then it stopped. So, the attack in Tambura was an act of revenge.”

Tambura County Commissioner, Mathew Mabenge told Eye Radio this afternoon that the situation has worsened after four more people were killed this morning.

“Since yesterday till today, all the civilians have fled to the town because the attackers have burnt houses. Anyone who wants to go for farming is killed,” said Mathew Mabange.

“Yesterday, about seven people were killed and today about four were also killed. That is the report we have.”

When contacted by Eye Radio, a senior member of SPLA IO in Western Equatoria denied the allegation.

Between June and July, over 20 people have reportedly been killed during the conflicts in Tambura County.

More than 21, 000 people mainly women and children have also been displaced.

They are said to be in dire need of shelter, food, water, and other assistance in the neighboring areas of Nzara, Yambio, and Tambura town.