MURDER SUSPECTS SURRENDER TO POLICE IN ENGA
By Samuel RAITANO, Enga
Some of the suspects allegedly involved in a recent massacre at Surinki, Enga Province have surrendered to the police.
Porgera State of Emergency Controller and Assistant Commissioner of Police Highlands Western End Joseph Tondop says eight suspects who were together at the time of the massacre have surrendered to police.
However, eight others are yet to surrender.
They were involved in a recent shooting incident where a PMV bus was shot at, killing seven passengers and wounding 13 others.
Police in Enga under PPC Fred Yakasa, is understood to be currently working on addressing several tribal fight related incidents in the province.
Meantime, Enga Provincial Commander Chief Superintendent Fred Yakasi, says local police are stepping up their efforts to maintain peace amid escalating tribal conflicts.
Superintendant Yakasa told Kalang News that officers have been deployed to key hotspots areas, including Pogera, Mulitaka, and Surinki, following an extension of the state of Emergency orders to Wapenamanda district.
Commander Yakasa emphasized the importance of proactive measures, stating that his officers are taking a firm stance against ongoing violence.
He highlighted collaboration with the provincial government to engage with community leaders in a bid to restore order.
In a public advisory, Yakasi urged residents to avoid traveling to conflict zones, warning that those who do so will be taking significant risks.
He reassured the community that continuous efforts are being made to restore peace in a province known for its rich tribal heritage.
Meanwhile, the recent breach of Wapenamanda Peace Accord by a tribe from Wapenamanda in Enga Province has prompted Assistant Commissioner of Police and controller of Porgera State of Emergency Joseph Tondop to use his powers to have the State Of Emergency extended to Wapenamanda as well.
This follows Saturday’s incident where members of Ambulin tribe killed a man from Wapukin tribe whilst travelling in a PMV bus.
The victim was dragged out of the PMV bus and killed.
Tondop said the incident was a deliberate act of criminals who had no regard for peace, and an outright act of disrespect for tribal leaders, police commissioner and provincial administrator who had signed the peace accord.
He says the barbaric act would be strictly addressed under the terms and conditions for the Wapenamanda Peace Accord.
Tondop further warns that there would be no further negotiations by police, state entities or provincial government on this matter.
