A total of 23 people have died due to communal conflicts that occurred in Lakes’ State over the weekend.

According to Rumbek East Member of Parliament, Dharuai Mabor Teny, the situation in the area has been tensed over the past few days. Teny said locals are living in fear after the attacks that were triggered by animal thefts, fight over pasture and retaliation.

He, however, called on the national government to put tough security measures to curb the deadly clashes in the community.

Lakes’ State has been marred by communal wars since 2002 ranging from cattle rustling to fights over resources.

The MP warned that people are still arming themselves and chances of witnessing fresh revenge attacks may be imminent if no security personnel are deployed in the area

He was speaking to the media at the parliament premises in Juba on Wednesday.