The county commissioner for Mudri East, John Henry, told reporters that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) attacked the town of Kediba on Wednesday and made off with the town’s school children.

“According to the report from the community leaders and parents, the rebels abducted more than 500 children, both boys and girls, who were then taken to the bush, their whereabouts are not known,” said Henry.

Schools have remained closed in the area since the beginning of August, due to the deteriorating security situation.

Both South Sudanese government forces (SPLA-IG) and rebel forces (SPLA-IO) have allegedly been involved in looting and pillaging in the area surrounding Kediba town recently.

According to recent news reports, the SPLA-IO have been active over the past two weeks in attacking towns and garrisons held by the SPLA-IG near Kediba.

The news comes the day after UNICEF reported that 145 child soldiers had been released by rebel fighters in South Sudan.