Three killed in clash between locals, firm employees

The National National
A nurse at the Buin District Health Centre treating an injured local worker after the clash between locals and employees of an agricultural project in Tonolei, Buin, on Wednesday morning. – Picture supplied

TWO locals and an expatriate were killed during a clash between locals and employees of a company in Buin district, South Bougainville on Wednesday, it has been confirmed.
Details of the clash were sketchy last night but a statement by the Autonomous Bougainville Government said it was “aware of the incident that transpired on Wednesday morning at the Tonolei Harbour in Buin District, South Bougainville”.
“The early morning assault claimed the lives of two locals as well as an expatriate based at the site of the Tonolei integrated agricultural project,” the Bougainville government said.
“Several other persons were also injured during the raid that saw the destruction of several millions of Kina worth of property and the unnecessary loss of innocent lives.
“The Government appeals for calmer heads to prevail as we work towards a peaceful solution to the issue.”
ABG Vice-President and Minister for Commerce, Trade and Industry Patrick Nisira urged Bougainvilleans, especially those using social media, to refrain from creating speculation on the issue and aggravate an already tense situation.
Nisira said, in light of the sensitivity of the issue and respect for the lives lost, the government was not going to release any further information until the Bougainville police could “ascertain the nature of the attack”.