One dead in Enga shootout

ENGA police commander Supt Martin Lakari said many armed criminals escaped with bullet wounds during a shootout with the members of Mobile Squad 12 from Laiagam.
Lakari said the armed men from the Tupaike clan in Laiagam set up a roadblock at Kipos village last Friday and robbed some passengers travelling back to Kandep from Wabag when the police arrived.
He said the robbers ran away with the stolen items and later opened fire at the police.
Lakari said the police retaliated and shot at the criminals and, in the process, Sapaki Alowaki, 38, and father of two from Yakopyamanda village was shot dead.
He said the police pursued the criminals and rescued three women who were held hostages and reportedly gang-raped by the criminals.
Lakari said the shootout lasted for 30 minutes but none of his policemen were injured.
However, many criminals sustained bullet wounds and escaped with their high-powered guns.
He said the Tupaike clansmen took advantage of the vacant area after they fought with other members of the Tamakale tribe and chased them away.
Lakari said police were monitoring Kipos because of criminal activities along the road.
He appealed to the Tupaike clansmen not to block the road and harass innocent people travelling on the road.
He said the road must be free for the travelling public.
Lakari said police would not go easy on any individual or group engaging in criminal activities near Papiuk Bridge.
“Anyone standing with guns on the road to rob the public is asking for trouble,” Lakari said.
He said people must learn to lay down their guns and do something worthwhile back in their community.
He added that they could not survive on criminal activities because, one day, that would also come to an end.