Local authorities in the contested area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan have taken a decision banning night clubs, citing security reasons.

Toby Zachariah, an official in the area told Internews’ Abyei Today programme that the decision was taken to preserve the safety of citizens in the Abyei area.

The decision came due to worsening security situation in the neighbouring areas, besides complaints of some families about inconvenience caused the clubs at night, according to the official.

Meanwhile, opinions differed over the order between opponents and supporters of the decision by the authorities. Football and wrestling fans said that they have been deprived of watching, while others expressed their gratitude to the authorities for working tirelessly to curb security in the area.