Soldiers loyal to the leader of a local armed group, Wisley Welebe are collecting money from civilians returning to their homes, the Minister of Information in Amadi State has told Eye Radio.

Victor Maburuk says the soldiers have set up checkpoints in Bangulu County, between Maridi and the neighboring Yei State.

Most of the people displaced by the conflict in Amadi over the last few months sought shelter in Bangulu.

Mr Maburuk says the Welebe’s soldiers have been collecting money from IDPs from the returnees for a month now.

“When you are coming from Bangulu to Mundri, you have to pay a 50 South Sudanese pound tax at a place called Galia,” the minister said.

“And as you proceed to Bari, you will also pay 10 pounds and 10 pounds at the last checkpoint about 5 miles from Mundri.”

Mr Muburuk said it is unclear how many of the IDPs are unable to return to their homes due to lack of money.

Mr Welebe has not been reached for comment, but he is one of the forces that refused to sign an agreement with the government some months ago.

The group has declared its loyalty to the SPLM in Opposition, but the spokesperson of the IO in Juba, William Ezekiel, says Mr Welebe is not their member.