Two mine workers have been shot dead while on duty along the Yei-Morobo road, the Minister of Information in Yei River State has said.

The two men were employees of the aid group, the Danish Demining Group, which has been clearing landmines in South Sudan since 2005 to help the displaced people return home.

In a statement, the Danish Demining Group says the victims were in a group of eight people on their way to the duty station on Tuesday.

The head of the group, Tammy Hall, says the vehicle was ambushed and the unnamed victims were shot during the resulting events. The remaining five team members were unharmed.

“I’d like to express my deepest sympathy to the families of our fallen colleagues, and to the entire South Sudan team,” Mr Hall said.

The identity and the motive of the attack are not known.

The Minister of Information in Yei River State says the attack occurred at Gulumbi village in Morobo County, where he said civilians fled their homes due to the gunfire.

Stephen Ladu told Eye Radio that the two people were first beaten and later shot dead.

“Their hands were tied behind their back and killed by these un-known gun men,” he said.

Officials say at least ten people have been shot dead on different major roads in Yei.

The Danish Demining Group says it is analysing these recent killings and has called for protection of aid workers.