Eastern Equatoria government condemned killing of innocent women children and men in two incidents at Loronyo and Idali villages on Saturday.
Press Secretary in the office of the Governor, Joseph Oriho Abulamoi explained that the security team that went for a fact-finding mission at the scene found that 19 mourners including two pregnant women were murdered in Loronyo, Radio Emmanuel reported.
He noted that evidence on the ground showed that the victims were taken at gun point from the place of the last funeral rite of their in-law.
The State Press Secretary added that the team also found three bodies at Idali village.
Dr Abulamoi said Idali killings were perpetrated by a group of gunmen from Loronyo after the security team traced the feet marks of their cattle stolen at night.
He clarified that over 20 people were killed in the two attacks while three other women from Idali are still missing.
Dr Abulamoi reported that the state government urged the people of Loronyo and Idali not to allow individual criminals to destroy their historical relationship.
He said the government appreciated both communities for their cooperation with security committee during fact-finding mission.
The Press Secretary encouraged the people of Idali village to be patient as the government works to bring the suspects to justice, urging people of Loronyo to compile the list of suspects.
The government appealed to both communities to keep their friendly relationship and not to be shaken by the criminal acts.
Dr Abulamoi said the state government is the protector of all communities and their property and that its priority is peace and security for all.