Displaced Waramuru villagers seek help

 By GABRIEL FITO

MORE than 150 people displaced after their homes were razed by a group of armed men in East Sepik are appealing to the public for help.

Armed men torched 46 homes at Waramuru village in Yangoru, East Sepik, displacing 153 people, including women and children on Aug 29.

Spokesman Kevin Hembehoie said the families lost valuables, kitchenware, clothes, tools and money. 

Cash crops and food gardens were destroyed.

The affected families are now seeking shelter with relatives at Yangoru, Kubalia and Wewak.

The incident is believed to have started from an ongoing row between two groups in the village since July.

Yangoru-Saussia MP Richard Maru and police intervened during the early stages of the conflict.

Yangoru police station commander David Jimari and his officers visited the village but could not make any arrests because they were outnumbered.

Hembehoie said the two sides had agreed to stop fighting but he did not see it as a permanent deal.

“What we want to see is that all guns which are now in the hands of the conflicting parties be surrendered first before we make peace,” he said. 

“Otherwise, these guns would resurface again and there will be no peace in the village.”

Those who wish to help the fire victims can make deposits to the Central Park Improvement Account, Bank South Pacific, Wewak (account number 1012733273).

For donations in kind and other enquiries contact Hembehoie on 72556781, Peter Yembi 71326193 or Raymond Ningimori on 70195482.