The family of two women who were allegedly kidnapped during fighting between armed groups in Kajo-Keji County of Central Equatoria State issued a statement urging their captors to release them.

The family accused the opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) of holding the two women.

John Matiop, a family member, told Radio Tamazuj last week that reports obtained indicate that the two women, Nyankon Panchol Alier and Angeth Makuac Mabior, are being held in an area controlled by NAS forces.

"We have informed Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, who is the head of the government negotiating team. So consultations are going on to release the kidnapped women," he explained.

Matiop said Angeth, a breastfeeding mother, should be released.

For his part, Dr. Barnaba Marial confirmed receiving information on the incident, saying a letter was sent to the Rome-based Sant' Egidio Community requesting them to mediate over the release of the two women.

"I sent a letter to the Sant' Egidio Community and they are holding consultations with General Thomas Cirillo to release the two women,” he said.

Marial confirmed that the women were kidnapped during clashes between NAS soldiers and the armed opposition forces led by Dr. Riek Machar in Kajo-Keji County and are with forces under Genera Kenyi Loguron.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, General Thomas Cirillo said he received a letter from the Sant' Egidio Community regarding the two women in June.

"I received a letter from the Sant’ Egidio community and we are still searching for those missing in those battles and when we confirm this information, we will inform the mediators,” Cirillo explained.

The hold-out opposition leader said several citizens have died and properties lost due to insecurity in parts of Central Equatoria State.