Six people have been shot dead in Western Equatoria State by unidentified gunmen, forcing about 5,000 residents forced to flee their homes in fear in Maridi County, authorities say.

The County Commissioner, Wilson Thomas Yanga earlier told Eye Radio that the gunmen started shooting randomly on Friday evening, killing one person and injuring another in Hai-Gabat.

They then fled the area after the shooting, sending the public in panic.

The Commissioner said heavy gunshots continued to be heard throughout the night of Saturday. He told reporters that six bodies were recovered this morning. “…we couldn’t really know exactly who are shooting, and then how much causality. It was not until this [yesterday] morning, that 6 dead bodies have been recovered,” he said.

Mr. Yanga says people are fleeing their homes to the nearby counties of Yambio and Ibba.

“And are now been taken to hospital. But since morning there is no any single gunshot, the situation is a bit and except that shops, market are closed and we’re monitoring the security.”

He added that forces have been deployed in the Hai-Gabat area, which was most affected by the shooting.