Eastern Equatoria State Agriculture, Irrigation and Rural Development minister downplays reports of hunger related death tolls.
Clement Chichim Laku argues that the death case especially in Ikwoto County succumbed due to other causes not related to hunger, Radio Emmanuel reported.
The minister also denies other hunger related death cases reported from Budi County of Eastern Equatoria state which the commissioner put the death toll to over ten people.
Acknowledging food insecurity situation in the state, the minister says one hundred thousand metric tons of food is required to save citizens from hunger, listing Kapoeta East County, Lafon/Lopa and Eastern part of Torit County as the most affected areas.
Ikwoto County Commissioner Peter Lokeng notes that affected people were not helped since they received reports of hunger threats a month ago and that several people fled to Uganda.
Commissioner Lokeng says other people are fleeing to Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya to get food.
One old man, a mother and a young man are reported to have died in Ikwoto County under different circumstances but related to lack of food.