Residents of Yambio say gunfire broke out in the town this morning.

This follows a month of relative calm in the area. It’s unclear who is fighting who in the area. However, there has been fighting between the army and vigilante groups there.

Residents say the latest shooting started this morning on the outskirt of the town and spread to most of the suburbs.

One of those who spoke to Eye Radio said they were running away from the town for safety.

“I’m now moving on foot with my family to Nzara town where most of the people are running to because it is safe,” said the resident who requested anonymity.

Officials in the state have confirmed the gunfire.

“The armed criminal group rushed to the direction of the prison … and they started attacking the police and the prison and others in the town,” says police commissioner, Brigadier Albino Mariano.

“There is some information of the casualties, but it is not clear.”

The Governor of Gbudwe, Patrick Raphael Zamoi, has confirmed the incident. But he could not provide details, saying he was going for an important meeting.

A similar gunfire broke out in the town in December, leading to killing and displacement of several civilians.

Additional reporting by Paul Night.