Call to ban betel nut trade after villager’s death

BOROI villagers in the Yawar LLG area, Bogia district, Madang province have called on police to ban betel nut trade in the village following the recent mysterious death of a villager.
Yawar LLG councillor, Solomon Kaka said a villager, Tonny Dauta was allegedly forced to operate a dinghy by a boat owner from Bunn village from East Sepik province.
He said the boat was loaded with betel nut bags heading for Sepik when it encountered rough seas and overturned just past the mouth of the Boroi river.
Mr Kaka said all passengers including Dauta swam ashore to safety that day.
He said after they reached the shore, Dauta disappeared, but was found dead the following day where he had swam to safety.
Mr Kaka said the victim was allegedly killed by the boat owners for the loss of their betel nut bags and the motor.
He said Dauta’s death was mysterious and demanded that police investigate, as the death had caused a lot of anxiety and frustration amongst his immediate family.
Mr Kaka said that all dinghies should be banned from moving betel nut to and from the Boroi river indefinitely until the police complete investigations and bring those responsible for the villager’s death to justice.
A petition signed by the village elders, church, women and family members of Dauta had been given to Mamose police chief, Asst Comm Giossi Labi.
He said that Boroi village was a trade centre for villagers, Sepiks and Highlanders who buy and sell betel nut.
“We demand that a CID unit be immediately assigned to investigate from the owners of the dinghy to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death,” Mr Kaka said.