Tribal fighting erupts
The National, Tuesday 26th March 2013
By JAMES APA GUMUNO
TRIBAL fighting has erupted again between Wapukin and Sikin in Enga, claiming three lives.
Three men were killed and properties worth thousands of kina were destroyed as peace over a few years ended with attacks and counter-attacks.
The tribal enemies live at Akom on the border of Wapenamanda and Wabag districts.
They fought each other about four years ago resulting in 10 deaths and damaged properties.
Provincial police commander Philip Welia told The National yesterday from Wabag that fresh trouble started last week after some family members from the Wapukin tribe attended a birthday party in Sikin’s territory and were attacked by their former enemy.
Welia said two men from Wapukin were slashed with bush knives, with one dying almost instantly and the other later.
He said the Wapukin tribesmen retaliated and killed a Sekin man bathing in a river.
Welia said many houses and properties belonging to Wapukin were burnt and destroyed.
Welia said police moved in and stopped the attacks last Thursday, with 39 people arrested from the Wapukin tribe but the Wabag district court, due to lack of evidence, dismissed the case and set them free.
He said the Amupiak Lutheran international school located near the fighting zone was not affected.
“I have instructed my rural police commanders in Wapenamanda and Wabag to arrest the suspects,” Welia said.
He said several families were homeless as a result of the fighting and had sought refuge with neighbouring tribes.