In response to the tragic ethnic clash between members of the Engan and Goilala communities at North Waigani Market on Sunday night, National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop has extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
Governor Parkop reiterated his strong call for the installation of CCTV surveillance across the city and the urgent passing of the Vagrancy Act.
“This was a completely unnecessary loss of life. I express my heartfelt condolences to all affected families. What occurred was not only avoidable but also a wake-up call for urgent action,” Governor Parkop said.
The incident, which began when criminals attempted to rob a security guard near the informal market area, escalated into an ethnic retaliation that led to the burning of the market and loss of lives.
Governor Parkop clarified that the market itself did not cause the incident and was, in fact, a victim of the violence.
“Criminals tried to steal from a security guard. When he had no money to give, he was stabbed, hit by a vehicle while trying to escape, and died.
In retaliation, his relatives attacked vendors based on ethnic origin and the market was burnt. This chain of events highlights the importance of surveillance and stronger laws,” he said.
Governor Parkop emphasized that if the Vagrancy Act had been in place and CCTV installed, law enforcement could have identified those responsible and acted swiftly.
“The incident at Waigani informal markets justified the passing of the Vagrancy Act and the installation of CCTV around the city.
Had the Act been in place, the perpetrators of the initial crime and the retaliatory actions would all be identified and declared vagrants, serving time before being repatriated to their tribal homes,” he stated in a media statement today.
The Governor also noted that while CCTV rollout is currently underway, the Waigani area—where the killings and arson occurred—will now be prioritized for installation.
While he acknowledged the significant damage caused, Governor Parkop confirmed that the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) will not be providing compensation, adding, “Someone should compensate the market and the vendors. NCDC won’t compensate anyone.”
He concluded by calling on Parliament to pass the Vagrancy Act when it sits next week.
“This legislation is essential for restoring law, order, and safety in our city.”