The South Sudan People Defense Force (SSPDF) deployed in the Aneet and Agok areas of Abyei have recovered 40 goats, which were raided in Machbuong and Gakyuom on Wednesday, state authorities said.

"On Thursday, the SSPDF brigade stationed in Agok pursued the raiders and caught up with the armed youth in Buombil Forest around 3:00 pm. The SSPDF killed two youths when they resisted orders to surrender the goats. They recovered 40 goats from the stolen 290 and arrested two armed youths believed to have come from Mayom County," Abyei Information Minister Bolos Koch told Radio Tamazuj Friday.

For his part, David Jiekjor, Unity State Minister of Information, described security at the borders as stable, saying they will engage local authorities to investigate the Abyei raid.

"Unity state is bordering Ruweng and Abyei Administrative Areas, Warrap and Lakes states, but our relations are fine. Governor Nguen Monytuil is always coordinating security issues with his counterparts in other states to ensure security is stable so that our people remain in peace and harmony," he said.

"However, there are criminals causing havoc at the borders, so cattle raiding has become a culture among our communities and that of neighbouring states," he added.

He continued: "When you update the public about the security situation, minor issues should be addressed. The security situation can't be completely calm because there are armed groups everywhere, but for the case of the Rumamer goats raid, we haven't received any information yet, but we will engage local authorities to investigate the matter."