Killing triggers ethnic clash

 By ABIGAIL PHOEBE 
THE killing of a man triggered an ethnic clash, causing the destruction of houses in Kimbe, West New Britain, on Sunday, police say.
Provincial police commander Superintendent Jim Namora confirmed that properties worth thousands of kina were destroyed during the clash between people from Enga and East Sepik living near the Karl Hesse Primary School.
Namora said vehicles were also burnt.
“What is usually referred to as Wabag city in Kimbe town is now in ruins,” Namora said.
He said the clash started after a man from Enga allegedly killed a man from East Sepik in broad daylight.
Namora said people from other provinces joined forces with the East Sepik faction to burn down houses and stores belonging to the Engans.
Police and community leaders tried unsuccessfully to stop the fight on Sunday night.
Namora said yesterday the fighting had stopped but there was looting and vandalism going on which kept people on alert.
“Section 21 of Kimbe town is covered in smoke from the burning of houses and stores,” Namora said.
He said there were no arrests yet as the situation was still tense.
Namora said police were monitoring the situation closely in an effort to prevent further destruction to properties.
He appealed to people involved in the clash to refrain from causing trouble.