Southern Highlands tribal fight claims 6

SIX people are dead as a result of tribal fighting in Sugu Valley, Kagau, Southern Highlands, says provincial police commander Martin Lakari.
Lakari told The National that the trend of tribal fighting there had changed and they were now using “guerrilla warfare” with no battle ground so it was difficult to monitor the situation.
“We have a joint task force operating where police and a squad of Defence Force soldiers are in Sugu Valley,” Lakari said.
“They are in dialogue with both parties and are trying to get them to lay down their weapons and have peace talks.
“They are using high-powered firearms to kill each other in what is almost like a hide and seek game.
“And the number of dead may have increased but so far we have confirmed reports of six people been killed,” he said.
The tribal fight in Sugu Valley started in February.
Lakari could not confirm the cause of the fight as he was recently posted to Southern Highlands as the provincial commander.
He said he was still waiting for reports from senior officers in the province.
The tribes on the battleground are the Kambiya, Rearepa, Koyari, Ya’ala, Hurupa and Yatupa group versus the Perepe, Wambe and Lauwereba combo.
Lakari appealed to the people to respect and work with law enforcers to start peace talks.
He said fighting had taken a toll on the people, including women and children, and there was a need to restore peace.