Two women were killed and another was wounded when unidentified gunmen attacked a group of women while gathering wild fruits in the bush in Athooc North County of Jonglei State on Thursday, a local official said.

Kuol Bol, a legislator representing Athooc North Constituency in the state legislative assembly said the incident occurred at Akwai-Deng village on Thursday evening.

“The women were attacked by armed men in the bushes while collecting wild fruits and grass to be used as thatched roofs. Two women were killed on the spot and another woman was injured,” he explained.

The state lawmaker pointed out that the incident caused fear and panic among the locals. He accused bandits from neighbouring Boma state of carrying out the attack.

Boma officials could not immediately be reached for comment.