Local leaders in Tonj State say they have arrested 16 people suspected of participating in inter-communal clashes in the area.
Tonj State Governor, Akec Tong Aleu, says the culprits were identified by their own communities and they will set up a special tribunal to try them.
Attacks and revenge attacks between the Thiik and Jalwau communities have repeatedly occurred since 2012 over cattle and land disputes.
Governor Aleu confirms one of those arrested is believed to be the ring leader of the killings and revenge attacks who comes neighboring Gok State.
Governor Aleu says the suspects are accused of killing more than 40 people and wounding nearly 50 others. He says Tonj officials are working with their counterparts in Gok State to establish a special court to try the suspects arrested from both states.
Peter Anyoun Dut, the Commissioner Cueibet County in Gok stat says clashes between the communities along Gok-Tonj border over grazing land has been going on for decades.
Aleu admits that up to 80% of the people in the Jalwau and Thiik communities are armed, that is why, says state authorities will disarm all civilians in both states to prevent further violence in the area.
Governor Aleu is urging Tonj State communities to voluntarily surrender their guns to local chiefs before the army forcefully disarms them.