An Arab businessman allegedly knifed Aguer Garang Aguer following a disagreement at Amieet market.
The boy was reportedly looking for work at the market.
The Aweil Union chairperson, Abraham Ariath said Aguer is currently in a critical condition under the care of medics from the international medical charity, MSF.
“The report that I got is that he [Aguer] had a quarrel with an Arab man who is in Abyei. He came from Sudan and settled there to seek for work,” stated Ariath.
The suspect is under custody as investigations into the matter continue, he added.
Ariath urged well-wishers and the public to support the teenager.
He, however, said the security situation remains calm despite the incident.