More than 150 people were killed in clashes between cattle keepers and the SPLM in Opposition forces in Maper County over the weekend, the Minister of Information in Lakes State has told Eye Radio.

Most of the deceased are women and children

Dhieu Wol says the opposition forces attacked four cattle camps on Sunday morning in remote villages that have no phone network coverage.

“The fighting lasted until the evening. They attacked cattle camps called Pan-Nyang, Adeing –teik, Wun Akouc and Pamker,” Mr Wol said.

“In the attack,” he said, “they [opposition forces] took about 3,000 heads of cattle.”

The SPLM in Opposition has confirmed the incident but denied provoking the fighting.

Military spokesman, Dickson Gatluak, announced that his forces ambushed government troops on the way to the SPLM in Opposition bases in Panyijar County in Unity State.

He says his field commanders have not confirmed the casualty figures.