At least 169 people were killed after insurgents raided a village in a remote area of South Sudan. It’s the latest bout of sporadic violence that has left the country teetering on the verge of full-blown civil war. James Monyluak, information minister for the administrative said the victims, including 90 civilians, were attacked on in Abiemnom county. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan, known as UNMISS, said in a statement that 1,000 people sought shelter at its base after the attack.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, a UNMISS official has urged all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances. UN peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base, she added. The killings are part of an escalating wave of violence gripping South Sudan as government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir battle armed men who are believed to be loyal to opposition leader Riek Machar.