40 people have been killed and 66 wounded in Tonj East in a fight after a girl eloped, an official has announced.

“A girl had eloped and her father did not want her to be married so he decided to attack the family of the man who had taken his daughter,” said Achii Akuien, Warrap State Security Advisor.

He said the state government has sent a police force to the area. The fighting took place between Wutadel and Wutthuc sections last week.

Mr Achii appealed to the people of Tonj East to live in peace.