At least nine people, including a chief, were killed in two separate attacks in the disputed territory of Abyei on Thursday morning, local officials said.
Deng Juach Dau, a member of the Abyei legislative assembly, told Radio Tamazuj this morning that at least two civilians, including a community leader were shot dead and two others sustained injuries in a heavy attack carried out by gunmen in Dungop Village of Amenthaguok County.
The lawmaker identified the community leader killed in the attack as Nyok Arop.
He added that at least seven people were also killed when an armed group launched another attack in Midol area of Rummamer County.
Dau said armed men from the Misseriya ethnic group are believed to be behind "the two coordinated attacks".
Rummamer County Commissioner Mayot Kwin De Mayen also confirmed the incident, saying at least seven people were killed and two others sustained injuries in his county.
Authorities in Abyei region said they had reported the incident to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Messeriya leaders could not immediately be reached to comment on the reported incident.
Sudan and South Sudan are disputing the oil-rich Abyei, an area inhabited by Misseriya Arab nomads in the north and Ngok Dinka people who are pro-South Sudan.
As a result, Abyei area remains under the administration of the UN interim security force.
