Nahu-Rawa people living in fear as killings increase

PEOPLE living in Nahu-Rawa, Rai-Coast, Madang, are living in fear with more than 200 people killed so far, according to two villagers.
The two who asked not to be identified for security reasons said people had left the area to go and live elsewhere.
“There is no law and order and it is anybody’s guess whether one will still be alive tomorrow,” one said.
The most recent killing was at Miri village on Jan 26.
They said the existence of the hausman concept to kill people suspected of practising sorcery was leading to the “inhuman act of merciless killings at will”.
“You never know what happens to you and your families tomorrow.
“It has been nine years and the peace resolution has never healed our inner pain,” one said.
“The people including women and children are now scattered and living in the jungles of Finnisterre Ranges.”
Madang provincial police commander Mazuc Rubiang told The National that Madang lacked police manpower, logistics and houses in districts to station officers.
“Madang police need resources and manpower to combat law and order issues,” Rubiang said.
There was a killing at Transgogol recently, killings in Nayudo, hinterland Raicoast reported by Saidor rural police station commander Senior Constable Basanangnu Afeke in December.
Afeke said killings over sorcery, land, women, rape and drugs had increased.
“Killing innocent lives is like nobody’s business. It has became a norm in this part of the world.”