Three people, including a schoolboy, were killed in separate attacks in Laiagam over the weekend, prompting Enga Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steven Harris to appeal for calm and warn communities against further retaliatory violence.
Chief Supt Harris said in a statement that police have launched investigations into the killings and have established patrols and checkpoints throughout affected areas as officers work to identify and apprehend those responsible.
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He urged members of the Makol and Makol Tap/Yengulam communities to allow the law to take its course, stressing that further payback attacks would only result in more innocent lives being lost.
Police allege the violence began on Saturday, June 6, during a bel-kol compensation exchange ceremony in Laiagam when a dispute erupted between the two clans after intoxicated individuals allegedly interfered with the proceedings.
The receiving party reportedly refused to accept the compensation and withdrew from the ceremony.
According to police, members of the withdrawing group later opened fire while returning home, killing two people who were not directly involved in the dispute.
Police further allege that a retaliatory attack occurred on Sunday morning, June 7, resulting in the death of an innocent schoolboy who was attending school in Laiagam with his mother. His body was later returned to his home district.
Chief Supt Harris said all three victims were innocent bystanders and called on community leaders to help prevent further violence.
“Those people who have died were innocent. Payback will only produce more innocent victims. It will not bring the dead back, and it will not resolve the original dispute,” he said.
He directed those responsible for the killings to surrender to police immediately and warned that anyone taking the law into their own hands would face arrest and prosecution.
The police commander also cautioned that anyone harboring suspects or obstructing investigations would face the full force of the law.
Chief Supt Harris said Enga needed peace and justice rather than more violence and urged clan and community leaders to use their influence to de-escalate tensions.
Police investigations remain ongoing, and members of the public with information are encouraged to contact their nearest police station or the Enga Provincial Police Command.