File: SSPDF soldiers exhibit arsenals in a past event.

An official says a section of SPLA soldiers went on rampage in Pochalla over the weekend as they forced their way out of the town.

The soldiers engaged in gunfight in the town when a group of soldiers defected from the military barrack, Pochalla County Commissioner Joseph Ukello told Eye Radio.

“Over the weekend, there was a defection from the SPLA soldiers in Pochalla town; they moved out from the barrack in two directions -with heavy shooting as they went towards the North – some of them were going towards the East in Ethiopia, but they have not crossed the border, and the other group was going towards Akobo.”

However, no casualties were reported. Mr. Ukello said the town remains calm after the clashes.

The SPLA spokesperson, Colonel Philip Aguer confirmed to Eye Radio that there has been a defection of SPLA soldiers in Pochalla.

“What we heard is that some soldiers deserted their base and moved either towards Ethiopia or towards Akobo. That is what we heard. Those were SPLA soldiers,” he said.

The Commissioner of Pochalla County, Joseph Ukello said Ethiopian troops deployed at the border are restricting the movement of any person into Ethiopia.