Two wounded in East Sepik’s latest attack

The National National
John Kiandu awaiting transport at Kaugia Health Centre to be referred to Boram General Hospital in Wewak after being shot with a wire-catapult, piercing through his ear and seriously damaging his ear canal. – Picture courtesy of JAMES GUKEN

By JAMES GUKEN
DWU journalism student
TWO people were wounded on Monday in a fight that erupted between two groups of people after the burning down of classrooms at Laihi Primary School in North Wosera, East Sepik.
Belinda Sakuk, a mother of two from Numamaka village, was slashed at her home while trying to protect her four-year-old son from an attack by unknown assailants.
Her husband, Ryan Sakuk, fled the scene with their son. Another 20-year-old, John Kiandu was shot with a wire-catapult with the arrow lodging in his right ear canal and was taken to Boram General Hospital in Wewak.
“I was at home when the attackers came, I hopped out of the house and tried to escape and was shot with a wire catapult right through my ear,” he said.
A local teacher, who wished to remain anonymous, told The National that more than 10 houses were burnt and property damaged with the extent of the damage and casualties yet to be confirmed.
“We want immediate police presence to avoid further conflict between Numamaka and Tetemba,” he said.
He also said that Kaugia Primary School was closed for an indefinite period along with Setaka Primary School.
“This has happened last year, causing Kaugia primary students to repeat all grade levels this year and it is a total chaos,” he said.