Twenty aid workers have been abducted in South Sudan’s Nhialdiu town after it was briefly overrun by forces loyal to sacked Vice-President Riek Machar in Northern Liech State, a minister is quoted by the private Radio Tamazuj as saying.

The state’s Information Minister Lam Tungwar Kueigwong said steps were being taken to bring back the aid workers safely, but he did not give details.

“This is very bad for the humanitarian situation and the general population of Northern Liech state particularly Nhaildiu,” the minister is quoted as saying.

Conflict broke out in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused Mr Machar of plotting a coup, an allegation he denied.