10 people killed in tribal fighting

TRIBAL fighting in Chimbu’s Gumine this week has resulted in the death of 10 people and destruction of homes in five villages as well as a health centre and police station.
The violence was sparked from the Easter Games.
Accountant and a local from the Nabuke ward Willie Kolua Kopi said the fight had started in April and involved villagers who were allegedly playing for a cash prize.
The Nabuke team beat the Koban to earn K1,800 when another team started a fight which involved other tribes. Kopi said the Nabuke team captain Yalkuru Delwage, 23, was chased by locals to Ulale village and was shot and killed and his body mutilated.
“The death caused more fighting among the villages where several houses were destroyed, but was brought under control by the village elders and community leaders,” Kopi said.
“On Tuesday the fighting erupted again and 10 wards fought against two wards.”
Gaulma,Kaban,Uriyalkomongl, Kobankenku, Uriborikipa, Filewaneli, Nomria, Berignl, Dom, Kopanmiligon wards fought against Nebuka and Ainaku.
Kopi said six people from the 10 wards and four from their opponent wards died.
He said a peace officer from the Gumine Village Court was shot, police station was destroyed along with other government properties.
More than 20 houses were burnt in the villages with women and children fleeing their homes and seeking refuge in other villages in the district.
“We want Gumine MP Nick Kuman and the authorities to send in the police to stop the fighting,” Kopi said.
Kopi said the fighters were using high powered guns, bush knives and axes.
Chimbu administrator Michaela Temai said the first fight had been resolved two weeks ago with a peace ceremony among the tribes witnessed by Kuman and provincial authorities.
Temai said government officers were in Gumine to assess the situation and he expected a report this week.
“I am waiting for the report. Law and order officers in the province have already met to discuss the deployment of police personnel on the ground,” Temai said.
He called on the province and district leaders to meet to address the violence.
Police eastern command assistant commissioner Nema Mondiai said he was already aware of the fight but had not received a formal report.
“I am still waiting for the reports to reach my office,” Mondiai said.
Provincial police commander Inspector Jacob Singura could not be reached for comment.