Sudanese security forces in the country’s White Nile state allegedly arrested several South Sudanese youth attempting to travel to Khartoum last Friday.

Some of the young people were subsequently released. They told Radio Tamazuj that others have been handed over to rebels stationed in the area after they were arrested at Jebelain checkpoint. They said they were initially detained at a nearby military barracks.

“We were kept in a container without any ventilation and the security took our mobile phones and checked our bags,” one of the released men said.

He said the security forces attempted to provoke them during the time they were incarcerated.

“They were telling us that you killed the Nuer and expelled them from Renk,” he said.

He denied the claim and said they were traveling to Khartoum on personal business and had nothing to do with any killings in Renk.

A local official in Renk County said they are in communication with White Nile authorities to get the remaining youth released.