The abduction occurred near Malakal, where thousands of people have taken refuge following months of violence in the nation.
Kidnappers gathered around a community and conducted house-to-house searches, according to the U.N. children’s agency. It said boys over age 12 were taken away by force.
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Since the split, the nation has battled various setbacks, including violence divided along tribal lines — the Nuer community backs rebel leader Machar while the President is from the Dinka tribe.
The warring sides have signed ceasefire deals, but the bloodshed continues.