FILE - Armed youth in Jonglei State. Courtesy.

Authorities in Pibor Administrative Area have reported that villages in Gumruk County have been under attack since Friday evening, allegedly by armed youth from Jonglei State—an allegation that Jonglei authorities have denied.

Jacob Werchum, the Minister of Information for the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, confirmed the ongoing conflict.

This escalation follows concerns raised by Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, who recently highlighted youth mobilization in Jonglei and potential threats to Pibor during a press conference in Juba on Tuesday.

Jonglei authorities, however, have denied the allegations.

In a statement to Eye Radio this morning, Minister Werchum explained that two villages in Gumruk County are currently under attack.

While the full extent of casualties is still unclear, he noted that fighting between the attackers and local youth is ongoing. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are awaiting more details.

“Yesterday evening, around 4 p.m. local time, a combined White Army from Jonglei, under the overall command of Tut-Jiok, the spiritual leader from Ayod, attacked two villages in Minyabol Payam, Gumruk County,” Werchum stated.

“The fighting is ongoing, and we have not yet received details on casualties, as the youth are still engaged in the conflict,” he added.

The Minister of Information in Jonglei State, Nyamar Lony Ngundeng has denied claims that local youth were involved in the recent attacks, suggesting that the perpetrators could be criminals from outside the state.

Minister Lony confirmed that the youth in various counties remain in their respective areas and have not moved following the government’s recent communication.

She also stated that the state governor is scheduled to visit these areas next week.

“The youth in Jonglei State are still in their positions; they have not moved, according to the information we have,” Minister Lony stated.

“Those claiming there has been an attack are criminals. The youth from Jonglei, including those from Ayod, Duk, and Uror, have not moved because we are in communication with them,” she said.

“We called them, and they confirmed that they are still in their areas and have not moved. Next week, we have a mission to visit them, alongside the Governor of Jonglei State. They are listening to the government and have not moved,” she added.