A cattleman herds his animals | File photo

An official says four people have been killed and another wounded by suspected rebels in Tonj North County, Warrap state.

The deputy governor of Warrap state says rebels from Unity state attacked and raided cattle from a cattle camp in Kongor area.

Aketch Tong Aleu told Eye Radio that over 300  heads of cattle were stolen during the attack.

“They looted almost 320 cows and they have killed four people and one lady was wounded. That happened in the area of Kongor in Tonj North. There are forces now in the area monitoring the situation,” he said.

Mr Aketch said the attack had been carried out by rebels loyal to Dr. Riek Machar.

He urged the people of Tonj not to retaliate and not to attack their neighbors in Unity state.

“This issue of cattle raiding or the rebel is not ethnic group fighting, these are only rebels loyal to Riek Machar fighting the people in Warrap state and other states like in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile. These are innocent people that he armed and then put them as soldiers, especially the young boys. I want to assure the public that we will not harm any citizens, we will deal with somebody who is coming with a gun and fighting with the people of South Sudan,” he said.

Mr Aketch said that fighting has spread to others areas in the county and fighting is ongoing in Akop area of Tonj North County.