Authorities in the Abyei Administrative Area on Thursday said six trucks carrying food and non-food items were looted in Abyei town on Wednesday night by local youths.

A press release by the Abyei administration seen by Radio Tamazuj condemned the theft and revealed that 12 trucks carrying food and building materials were consigned by Presidential Security Advisor Tut Gatluak from Sudan to Akon in Warrap State and  Wau town in Western Bahr El Ghazal state.

According to Abyei Information Minister Ajang Deng, six of the trucks arrived at the police station in Abyei town on 17 May and were looted at 10 pm on 18 May. He described the incident as unfortunate and said the police opened a case and is searching for the perpetrators.

"These trucks came through the northern part and slept in Abyei.  They were heading to Akon and Wau and they were looted by some elements from the Ngok Dinka youth at night,” Minister Ajang said. “The trucks were carrying building materials and some food items. We were not even informed about the trucks coming from Sudan.”

He added: “As of now, the position of the government is to bring the perpetrators to book and the police have already opened a case. This is the first looting incident of its kind in Abyei Administrative Area.”

Meanwhile, Kelek Kon, the Abyei security advisor, confirmed the incident and said his government has condemned it.

“I am now in Aneet and it happened that six trucks were looted in Abyei on their way to Warrap and Wau. It was condemned by the government and police search is ongoing,” he said. “The security situation is fine and there has been no fighting, killing and raiding of cattle after the last Abyei-Twic clashes.”