Commissioner Savior Otwor John said that he received information from Monyomiji village in Himodonge Payam about people settling around river Kinati without apparent reasons, Radio Emmanuel reported.
Mr. Otwor said he instructed the local chief to confirm the information.
However, the local authority went beyond the order and attacked arrested people who had been cultivating the fields.
Mr Otwor confirmed that 22 people were arrested and released after paying 150 Sudanese pounds each.
He warned the chief over the act and promised to follow up the case in order for the victims to get back some of their confiscated belongings.
A man lost his life in the incident.