Demand for relief supplies

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
BINANDRE settlers are demanding relief supplies from Northern administrator Trevor Magei because they believe he instigated the burning of their homes in Sohe, provincial police commander Chief Insp Daniel Yangen says.
“They have demanded that Magei provide food, tarpaulins and other relief supplies to 280 settlers whose houses at Double Cross in the Higaturu local level government (LLG) area he allegedly burnt last Tuesday,” he said.
“Magei allegedly led an armed mob to the settlement and burnt 36 houses after five suspects stoned his vehicle, smashing the glasses last Sunday at about 8pm.
“The settlers are demanding that Magei provide those relief supplies before they hand over the suspects involved in stoning his vehicle.”
Chief Insp Yangen said Magei had agreed to meet the settlers’ demands following a meeting.
He said Magei had reported the stoning incident the next day and police gave the settlers 24 hours to surrender the suspects.
“That 24 hours was to end last Tuesday at 4.06pm,” he said.
“But while waiting for the surrender, Magei, without informing police, mobilised his people and raided the settlement, burning down 36 houses at about 10am.
“The mob went in nine vehicles, some of those vehicles belonged to the provincial administration.
“They assaulted 10 men who are now receiving medical treatment.
“Among the houses that got burnt down, two houses belong to health workers at the Sangara Health Centre in the Higaturu LLG.”
Chief Insp Yangen said the settlers then set up a roadblock with burning tyres along the Popondetta-Kokoda Highway.
“Police went and cleared up the roadblock,” he said.
“We are now investigating both incidents.
“Currently, we are collecting and compiling statements from both conflicting parties.
“After the suspects accused of stoning Magei’s vehicle surrender, we will be calling on Magei and other suspects accused of burning down the houses to surrender.”
Meanwhile, Magei met with police and Binandere leaders on Friday at the Popondetta Police Station and assured that he would provide relief supplies to the displaced settlers.