Y Tho Ayun, 35, also known as Ama Kzruh, told authorities he had incited villagers in Dak Lak to carry out the gun attacks on the People's Committee offices in Ea Ktur and Ea Tieu communes, which also houses the local police stations, Vietnam Television reported on Thursday.
He said he only enlisted "people I trust."
Forty-seven people involved in the attacks on Sunday, which resulted in nine deaths, have been arrested over the past five days. The Ministry of Public Security said forces are on the hunt for others involved. They have been encouraged to turn themselves in.
On Sunday morning an unidentified group of people with guns attacked the Ea Tieu and Ea Ktur commune people's committee offices in Cu Kuin District in the Central Highlands province.
Four police officers, two commune officials and three civilians were killed. Two other officers were also injured. It is uncertain whether or not any of the attackers were injured or killed.