The rebel-appointed commissioner of Torit County has accused the government of Imatong state of arming civilians at Kayala to fight their forces in the area.
Commissioner Ofire Raphael told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that on 23 July, one of the state ministers armed civilians at Kayala and directed them to fight the opposition forces allied former first vice president.
He warned the government against involving innocent civilians in their fight, urging civilians not to take part in any fight between government and opposition troops.
For his part, Imatong state governor, Tobolio Alberio denied the accusations of arming civilians but pointed out that in every home there are three to four guns.
Governor Alberio claimed that the civilians fought some opposition forces that attempted to loot their cattle and properties.