Warrap State Acting Governor said calm returned to Tonj East County after weekend fighting that claimed 39 lives including that of the area chief.
He added that more than 60 people were wounded following inter clan clashes in Luanyjang area of Makuac Payam, Voice of Hope reported.
Akech Tong Aleu said relative peace was realised after government forces intervened in the area with series of meetings conducted by state authorities, cattle keepers, community elders and youths.
He disclosed that the conflict occurred between two clans of Wun-Thuc and Wun-Adel of Makuac Payam using Dinka clubs which later developed into use of firearms.
Mr Tong added that the fight was sparked by a girl’s elopement for marriage as a usual phenomenon in the culture of the Dinka people in the area, but the parents were against the marriage.
He said the injured were taken to Marial Bai Hospital with ten on critical condition.