Until earlier this year, the area had been under the control of the Allied Democratic Forces, or ADF, a rebel militia with links to the Islamic State group.
A report by The Washington Post states that the area is now controlled by the Congolese army.
Muyisa Kambale Sindani, representative of nearby Kilya village, said Saturday that the remains were reburied “with dignity and security.”
He confirmed that bones of at least 20 people were found, but that it wasn’t possible to search further because of a lack of security in the region. It wasn’t immediately clear how long the bodies had been there.
Eastern Congo has been plagued by violence for decades as more than 120 armed groups fight for power, influence and resources and some to protect their communities.