5 more killed in Sialum

By JIMMY KALEBE
FOUR men and a woman were killed yesterday at Sialum’s Kanome Station in Tewai-Siassi, Morobe as warring villages tried to attack the station, police say.
Police report said warring villagers tried to destroy the station at ward nine at the Sialum local level government area when those protecting the station retaliated and killed a woman and four men.
Reports from police said after the killings, some factions followed their enemies all the way to Sialum Station in search for their enemies.
This caused a panic among public servants there as health posts, schools and other government services closed as factions searched for their enemies.
The report said police were under-manned and under-equipped to handle the situation.
Fighting among villagers has been going on over land issues and other matters since the beginning of this year which has claimed thousands of Kina worth of properties and more than 30 lives so far.
Police said mothers, school children and the elderly were the most affected.
Many had their homes burnt and destroyed and are camping at Sialum Station or elsewhere.
Morobe police commander Chief Supt Jacob Singura could not be reached for comment but he had previously said police were sent there to help contain the fighting.
He said they were putting together a team of policemen to be sent there again as soon as possible to help restore peace.
Singura said previously that assistance was needed from relevant authorities and planning had to be in place so that police personnel sent there could do their jobs.
However, he said police from the Lae command would be sent to Sialum sooner to assist and contain the situation.