PNG Violence Claims Two Lives in Hube LLG as Police Rush to Restore Order

PNG Violence Claims Two Lives in Hube LLG as Police Rush to Restore Order

PNG police have confirmed that two people have died and nine others are receiving treatment at the Pindiu Health Centre after election-related violence erupted in Pindiu, Hube LLG of Finschhafen District. Morobe Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Samson Siguyaru said the clashes also led to more than 20 homes being destroyed.
Superintendent Siguyaru reported that the unrest started on Tuesday, resulting in semi-permanent and permanent houses being burnt, along with more than four vehicles. He described the destruction as one of the most severe incidents linked to an LLG election in the province.

Police teams were flown in from Lae to stabilise the situation, which he said remained tense. According to the PPC, the confrontation stemmed from rivalry between supporters of two councilors contesting the Hube LLG president’s seat.
“One group is led by Ward 2 Councilor Kiwas Naios and includes supporters from wards 2, 1, 4, 11 and 14,” Superintendent Siguyaru said. “The other is led by Yaling Zeros of Ward 17 with backing from wards 5, 10, 15, 16 and 17.”
He said officers discovered that high-powered firearms—including two AR-15 rifles, a magnum sidearm, and several homemade weapons—were being used. Police also received reports that hired gunmen from Lae were brought in to escalate the conflict.
Superintendent Siguyaru said officers now need logistics support to move suspects and evacuate the injured. “We need two vehicles to transport suspects to Gagidu station before they are taken by sea to Lae,” he said. “We also require urgent medical evacuations of the nine injured victims to Lae by helicopter.”
He added that police have regained control of the area and thanked the Finschhafen District administration for assisting security personnel. “Their support helped us reach the trouble spot,” he said.

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