Ramu villagers in hiding following killing of school teacher

By EILEEN TUGUM
JOGOI villagers in Middle Ramu, Madang province, are living in fear following the killing of an elementary school teacher last Saturday.
A double elementary school classroom, a trade store and 20 houses were reportedly razed and domestic animals slaughtered as Jogoi villagers fled into the jungle for their safety.
About 50 men, women and children are in hiding following the killing of Nicko Momgali, 25, from the neighbouring Gosingi village, on the Keram River.
Momgali, who was married to a Jogoi villager, was a teacher at Jogoi Elementary School.
He was approached by a man who allegedly started an argument over his position at the school.
The man allegedly pulled out a bush knife and hit the teacher’s neck. The teacher died on the spot.
The killing occurred at 10am on Saturday at Jogoi.
The next day, Momgali’s relatives retaliated and attacked the Jogoi community.
The only law enforcement official in the area, Magistrate Donald Apikal, said by mobile phone: “The situation is still tense.”
He is requesting immediate police intervention.
“I appeal to Madang police to send help as soon as possible to prevent further destruction and killings,” Apikal said.
Attempts to reach the Madang rural commander or the provincial commander yesterday were unsuccessful.
It is understood there is no police officer in the Middle Ramu headquarters at Aiome, which covers the villages.