17 inmates escape from Biru

Correctional Services (CS)Commissioner Michael Waipo, pictured, has confirmed that 17 inmates escaped from Biru Prison in Northern on Sunday night.
Waipo said yesterday that 16 were remandees and one was a convicted prisoner.
“I have yet to get an official report from the Biru jail commander on how the escape occurred,” he told The National.
Northern police commander Chief Inspector Lincoln Gerari said the escapees were dangerous and most were accused of serious offences such as murder, armed robbery and rape.
“They broke out at about 12 (midnight) by breaking down the brick wall in their shower block. They then used pliers to cut the fence and escape,” he said.
“I’m now calling on the public to turn them in to us. These escapees pose a threat to communities that they are hiding in.
“I’m also calling on the public not to harbour them because we will arrest and charge those people harbouring these escapees.”
Northern Governor Gary Juffa said: “I would like the CS to give us advice on how this happened, what went wrong and what actions they are taking to apprehend those who broke out.
“Oro has seen a spike in criminal unrest. From our information and intelligence, they are the same people that are operating in Milne Bay, Morobe and Northern.
“We believe they are the same elements and they are people from within those provinces.”
Juffa said this showed the growing issues with law and order where there were not enough policemen.