ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — Gunmen have killed more than 140 civilians near Ethiopia’s western border with South Sudan, an Ethiopian official said on Saturday.

The attackers came from South Sudan and killed civilians, including women and children, said Getachew Reda, the communications minister.

“The Ethiopian defense force is currently chasing after the perpetrators,” Mr. Reda said, adding that the attackers did not have links to South Sudan’s government or its rebel fighters.

“Our defense forces have so far killed 60 members of the attackers,” he said.

Mr. Reda added that Ethiopian forces might cross into South Sudan to pursue the gunmen.