(13 May 2009, Juba) - The UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Southern Sudan, Ms. Lise Grande, has expressed serious concern at the killing of over 60 women, children and men in the village of Torkech, in Jikmir Payam of Nasir County on the night of 8 May 2009, following attacks between the Lou Nuer and Jikany ethnic groups.
The latest killings occurred soon after the UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. John Holmes, visited Southern Sudan.
It is reported that 57 people were wounded in the attack, the majority of which were children, some in critical condition.
At least 1,550 people have been displaced in Jikmir, Nor Nyariew, Banytik, Torpuot and Pandanyang. Some have camped in Wathwar (Nasir town).
"The UN is seriously concerned about the increasing violence in the area and the continuing loss of innocent lives of women, men and children. We call upon the community leaders, and all relevant authorities to intervene and resolve the conflict through peaceful means and reconciliation", said Ms. Lise Grande.
The UN has sent a mission to the area to assess the situation, and the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SSRRC) is mobilizing food assistance to be distributed to the displaced people.
A Team from Nasir Community Development Agency (NCDA) spent the day in Torkech on 10 May searching for missing people. The number of people confirmed dead, including those who drowned while fleeing across the river, is 66.
Security in Nasir town itself is calm but people have fled the area of the incident. There is fear of retaliatory attacks in the neighbouring Ulang County, part of which is composed of the same ethnic groups fighting in Torkech.
For further information, please contact: Jim Ocitti, Office of the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Southern Sudan: jim.ocitti@undp.org Mobile: +256 (0) 477171623