At least eight people were reported killed and 13 injured Tuesday in Lorema, Budi County of Eastern Equatoria, following a confrontation between security forces and the local community.
Reports reaching Radio Emmanuel indicate that the dead included six civilians and two security officers.A nurse working at the local clinic said a child and an elderly woman were among the dead.
The situation went out of control when security forces sent from Torit and the civilians failed to agree on how to recover the animals that were stolen last week from Ikotos County by raiders suspected to be from Budi County.
The security forces burned down Lorema centre, which has a clinic operated by the diocese of Torit, a dozen of small shops and private houses.
Both the security forces and the civilians blamed each other for starting the fighting.
Eastern Equatoria government sent troops into Budi County on Sunday to recover guns and cattle from raiders.
Eight Wildlife rangers and five raiders died last Saturday after a group suspected to be from Budi County raided a cattle camp in Bira Village of Ikotos County.
The raid occurred while Eastern Equatoria Governor was meeting the local community.
The situation in Lorema and Kikilai villages remains tense after civilians escaped into the hills.
The commissioner of Budi County could not be reached for comments.