The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) contained the riots staged by some tribesmen at a local market in the disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan, a local source told Xinhua on Saturday.

"A group of people from the Dinka Ngok tribe attacked the Abyei market on Friday ..., which resulted in injuries among the members of the Messiria tribe," Mohamed Omer Al-Ansari, a leading figure in the area, told Xinhua Saturday.

"The Ethiopian forces of UNISFA intervened and prevented the situation from escalating after the closing of the market," he added, noting that the tensions were still simmering.

Al-Ansari further warned against a repeat of such acts by the Dinka Ngok tribe, urging its members to commit to the existing agreements in regard with the area.

Last July, Abyei witnessed similar riots caused by the same tribe.

A referendum had been scheduled to for the Abyei dispute to take place alongside the vote on South Sudan's separation. However, the referendum was delayed due to the difference over who had the right to vote.