Police boost in Okapa to keep law and order

By ZACHERY PER
POLICE manpower in remote Okapa, Eastern Highlands, is set to increase with an additional 20 officers to be deployed there.
Provincial commander David Seine Jr assured district chief executive officer James Sipa of the increased manpower to curb increasing lawlessness in this remote district.
“We would increase the number of police officers in Okapa with 20 extra officers, who would be coming to Eastern Highlands from Bomana Police College this month,” he said.
Seine Jr said Okapa needed police help, but there was a way forward, given administrative support of Sipa and political will of MP Saki Soloma.
“Police hierarchy will conduct regular inspections and place manpower at strategic locations, where it matters most, to maintain law and order,” he said.
“Okapa and Obura-Wonenara districts have shown interest in getting police assistance.
“They will work alongside to provide the support needed.”
Sipa said Okapa would provide logistical support to police and also work with them to deliver services to the people. He thanked Seine Jr for committing 20 young officers to the district.
Seine Jr said there would be a major reshuffle to shift police officers into districts to contain law-and-order problems such as sorcery accusation-related killings, stealing, murder, rapes and others.
“Policing rural population from the district level should be given priority this year and will continue in the years to come,” he said.
Seine Jr aims to police officers into remote areas such as Marawaka, Obura, Aiyura, Yonki, Bilomoia, Ramu, Henganofi, Okapa, Purosa, Gimi, Lufa, Gouno, Bena, Unggai, Upper Bena, Wesan, Watabung, Upper Asaro and Asaro.
He said police would maintain a strong task force and mobile squad in Kainantu and Goroka.