Warring tribes agree to stop fight

WARRING tribes in Norikori Valley in Tairora, Obura-Wonenara in Eastern Highlands have agreed to lay down arms for ceasefire after two students and a pastor were killed and more than 100 homes razed last week.
Aiyura acting rural police commander Snr Constable Johnson Bunawa led Zulu 01 response unit from Obura-Wonenara to camp at Barabundora to contain the situation.
Police said after continuous intervention, both warring groups resolved for ceasefire and agreed not to touch schools and health facilities again.
Most teachers and health workers fled in fear of their lives, leaving Tairora Primary and High Schools empty.
A police source who asked not to be identified said the incident started from a provincial education board (PEB) decision to change Tairora High School principal and chairman.
The locals alleged that the principal from Goroka and chairman from Norikori conspired to misappropriate school funds.
As a result, Tairora High School deteriorated without proper learning facilities in classrooms, dormitories, library, science laboratory, equipment, mess and ablution blocks.
Barabundora people pursued the change of the principal and chairman based on PEB decision.
The Norikori’s however sided with the chairman and principal and attacked Barabundora that resulted in Barabundora killing two Norikori students and a Salvation Army pastor.
The police source said police and former Obura-Wonenara MP John Boito went to the area on Monday and conducted awareness for the rivals to find an amicable solution for peace which they agreed did for ceasefire.
Police then helped health workers from the Evangelical Brotherhood Church (EBC) to deliver medical supplies to both sides and treated the injured and sick.
Police also helped locals to repatriate two bodies back home from the morgue in Goroka General Hospital on Monday.
The principal spent K2,000 in morgue fees and logistics to repatriate the two deceased and K5,000 for the hauskrai at Norikori.
“We’re hoping for Eastern Highlands PEB to appoint the new principal and post him to the school to ensure resumption of classes,” police said.
Aiyura police were also waiting further instructions from EHP police commander while monitoring the situation.