Audio By Carbonatix
Five health workers have been killed when South Sudan soldiers attacked a hospital in revenge for the deaths of eight members of the security forces, the local MP has told the BBC.
David Mayo said the fighting was still going on and urged the army to be withdrawn.
Local community leaders confirm that the hospital in the village of Lorema, Eastern Equatoria state, was attacked.
But the state governor denied the reports.
Louis Obong told the BBC that no hospital had been attacked and the security situation was "normal".
An army spokesman said he was investigating the reports and any soldier who had committed abuses would face justice.
'Indiscriminate shooting'
The soldiers were deployed after eight of the governor's bodyguards were killed when they were sent to track down cattle rustlers.
The BBC's Nyambura Wambugu in South Sudan says many residents of the mountainous area around Lorema are heavily armed, including with rocket-propelled grenades, left over from the two-decade civil war against the north.
Mr Mayo said that 13 soldiers were currently being treated in hospital, in the state capital, Torit.
But he blames the soldiers for the violence, saying they opened fire indiscriminately when they arrived in Lorema, before going on to attack the hospital and set fire to local homes.
One doctor, one patient and four nurses died, he said.
Human rights groups have accused South Sudan's army, made up of former rebels, of committing numerous abuses against civilians since independence in 2011 - charges the army has strongly denied.
Our reporter says there is a long history of cattle raiding in Eastern Equatoria, as in many other parts of the country.
Cattle lie at the heart of life for many communities in the country which has hardly any banks - they represent wealth, a dowry, property and a source of food in the lean season.
A single cow can be worth hundreds of dollars depending on its colouring.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
CJ’s remarks on SOEs were made in good faith, not to undermine judicial independence – Judicial Service
3 hours -
Bright Future Alliance pays courtesy call on Akufo-Addo, invites him to African Leaders of Influence Lectureship Series
3 hours -
This is an attempt to break the Minority caucus – Patricia Appiagyei on alleged GH¢70k payment
4 hours -
‘OSP hasn’t contacted me’ – Patricia Appiagyei assures cooperation if invited
4 hours -
I find it strange that this memo was purportedly written by me – Patricia Appiagyei
4 hours -
Ayariga calls for stronger church partnership to tackle sanitation, environmental challenges
4 hours -
I don’t think we have an industry – Patchbay Band manager
5 hours -
Patchbay Band questions recognition of live bands in Ghana’s music industry
5 hours -
Newsfile to discuss SOEs’ GH¢19.8bn profit, dissolution of 9 boards, CJ’s visits to SOEs, GH¢70k gift rejection
5 hours -
BoG warns against spraying, defacing and using cedi notes for decorations
5 hours -
Adwumawura: Selected applicants to receive notifications from today – NEIP CEO
5 hours -
‘Fake memo’ fabricated to smear me – Patricia Appiagyei
5 hours -
ATLF2026: Culture, investment and tourism take centre stage as Africa’s tourism leaders gather in Polokwane
6 hours -
TI-Ghana and GACC demand full disclosure over alleged GH¢70,000 Appointments Committee payment
6 hours -
UN approves resolution in support of map that shows Africa’s true size
6 hours