Investigations are underway to find the perpetrators behind last week's killings of at least 24 people in Idali, Eastern Equatoria state.

Torit County Commissioner Jerman Charles told Radio Tamazuj that security forces already arrested the leader of a group of Loronyo men suspected of killing a woman and children who were going to Torit for a funeral.

Charles said security agents were looking for other suspected perpetrators as well.

State Minister of Information and Communications Mark Aken Bol told Radio Tamazuj on Sunday that civilians in Loronyo have abandoned their homes fearing security forces. However, he said security forces are working with local leaders to find the culprits.

Bol rejected rumors of killings by unknown gunmen at Jebel Lipra between Torit County and Kapoeta.

An eyewitness told Radio Tamazuj that trucks loaded with SPLA were heading toward Torit County on Saturday evening, but could not confirm their allegiance.