‘Murder capital’ tag irks governor

Madang Governor Ramsey Pariwa says killings are happening everywhere in the country and not just Madang town.
He was reacting to a print media report this week labelling Madang as the “murder capital”.
Pariwa said the report was based on a “one-off incident” which took place near Bates oval on Tuesday, where two vendors, following an argument, saw one stabbing the other, killing him instantly.
He said the suspect involved was arrested soon after by a police unit from the Kerowagi mobile squad and was now behind bars.
“I think this report is biased or is exaggerated and beyond what is really happening in Madang,” he said.
Pariwa said the police and authorities were working tirelessly to contain law and order issues in the province and to specify and tag Madang as the “murder capital” undermined their effort.
Meanwhile, several armed holdup activities and killings were recently reported along the Madang- Lae highway.
Last month, a Western Highlander was reportedly killed in Usino-Bundi.
Usino Bundi MP Jimmy Uguro told The National earlier that he “was sick and tired of the negative attitudes of young people in the province.”
“I am exhausted already in dealing with the same issues on the same highway and I blame those stakeholders responsible for that section of the road for being negligent, resulting in unnecessary armed holdups,” he said.
“It is everyone’s business when dealing with criminal and law and order issues.
“I appeal to the travelling public to take extra care when travelling in any part of our country because our people with sick minds have no respect at all for others.”
Former Madang MP Nixon Duban had said: “There is common knowledge that trucking companies, highway buses and travelling public have to contend with the poor road conditions from Naru to Wara market.
“The state of the highway is a recipe for disaster.
“The more it is ignored, the more lives and properties will be affected.
“The Madang government must take responsibility and address the highway problems.
“Increase funding, expand logistics, beef up police presence and maintain highway patrol for the safety of travellers.
“Over the last five years, the crime rate in Madang has increased, pointing directly at incompetent leadership.
“The withholding of DSIP and PSIP funds to support community projects and effective engagement, was a major factor.”