Authorities in South Sudan’s Western Lakes State released UN radio journalist Manyang Mayom from custody last week, three days after he was detained over alleged differences with the state government.

Mayom, a correspondent for Radio Miraya, was released by the Western Lakes’ national security office, John Wulu, head of journalists’ union in greater Lakes State, said in a statement to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday.

Wulu pointed out that the state authorities said the journalist was arrested shortly after his arrival from former Warrap state along with soldiers without departure orders.

Information Minister in West Lakes State, Shidrak Bol, confirmed the release of the UN journalist while denying the state governor's involvement in Manyang’s arrest.

Bol, who is also the state government spokesman, said the UN journalist was arrested by national security officials and that he was handed over to the United Nations after his release from detention in Rumbek town.