In a tragic incident described as the deadliest tribal conflict to date, at least 49 individuals, believed to be hired gunmen, were brutally massacred in Akom village, Papua New Guinea's Enga Province, on Sunday, as confirmed by authorities. The harrowing scenes have prompted calls for a state of emergency (SoE) and increased gun control measures. The country's Police Commissioner David Manning announced yesterday that reinforcements had been dispatched to Wapenamanda, armed with specific instructions to utilize all available force when engaging with offenders. The massacre unfolded amidst ongoing tribal conflicts, with Chief Inspector George Kakas, Enga police commander, confirming the bloodshed resulted from clashes between the combined Sikin and Kaekin tribes against the Ambulin tribe. The violence erupted when the Ambulins, anticipating an attack, set up an ambush, leading to the death of 49 alleged gunmen reportedly brought in from Laiagap, Kompiam-Ambum, and Porgera. Disturbing images and videos shared on social media depict bodies piled on police trucks and scattered along roadsides, drains, and shrubs, revealing the extent of the brutality.
Wapenamanda Member of Parliament Mikki Kaeok has urged the declaration of a state of emergency in Enga, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention. Prime Minister James Marape condemned the incident as an act of "domestic terrorism." While initial reports indicated 26 casualties, the death toll rose to 49, according to Kakas. Conflicting figures, with some reports suggesting up to 54 deaths, prompted caution from Manning, who deemed it too early to confirm accurate numbers as efforts to recover corpses from dense shrubs were ongoing. MP Kaeok highlighted the longstanding nature of the tribal conflict, dating back to 2001. Kakas revealed that the conflict had extended its influence to the capital, Port Moresby, where elites and businessmen from both sides allegedly collaborated to fund and supply arms for the ongoing battle. Efforts to arrest individuals involved in the conflict faced challenges, with Kakas encountering legal obstacles. He emphasized the involvement of educated elites and businessmen and disclosed ongoing investigations into communication channels and funding sources. Kakas pointed out that the tribal wars were intricately linked to issues in Port Moresby, stressing the urgency of addressing the funding of firearms and ammunitions. The police commissioner confirmed the deployment of additional security forces to Wapenamanda last Sunday, urging provincial and local leaders in Enga to intervene and defuse tensions. Manning pledged a public announcement on additional measures soon, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the need for swift and decisive action. Investigations into the massacre continue as authorities grapple with the aftermath of this shocking act of violence. Also read Comments are closed.
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