Map of Western Equatoria State. | Courtesy.

At least 10 people have been injured during fighting between farmers and cattle keepers in Mvolo County, Western Equatoria State, a local official said.

Mvolo Commissioner John Komodee told Eye Radio the incident occurred on Wednesday, as the farmers allegedly tried to protect their crops from being destroyed by cattle.

Komodee said the farmers and herders used sticks during the violence resulting in the injury of ten people from both sides.

“You know, the cattle went into the farms for almost two days and really it cost big damage to the crops in the farms and because of that, the farmers also reacted very badly,” said the commissioner.

The injured have been admitted to Mvolo and Mapurdit hospitals, the official said.

“They fought using sticks and they hurt themselves, so the government intervened and now we have contained the situation, and those who have been injured as a result of that fight are in Mapor-Dit hospital.”

Mr. Komodee said, however, that the police arrested some individuals involved in the fighting, adding that they are currently under investigation.

He said the local government ordered the cattle keepers back of their places of origin, allegedly Lakes State.

He added: “We intervened with the commissioner of Yirol West County and also informed the honorable governor Lakes State.”

Authorities in Yiro West, Lakes State are yet to confirm the incident.