Warring tribes make peace after fight claimed about 80 lives

By ELIAS LARI
A TRIBAL fight in Enga which claimed almost 80 lives was put to rest on Monday after the two warring groups decided to reconcile and restore peace and normalcy, police say.
The fight between Yalingin tribe of Kompiamin Kompiam-Ambum and the Yambalekin tribe of Lower Lai, Wapenamanda, started in July last year over a killing in Tabubil, Western.
A man from Wapenamanda was allegedly killed by people from Kompiam.
The deceased’s relatives then mobilised and killed another man from Kompiam at Wapenamanda Station in Enga which resulted in a tribal clash between the two groups.
That instigated another killing at Lower Lai which triggered the fight that escalated and intensified at the border between Kompiam and Wapenamanda, claiming more than 80 lives and destruction to homes and properties.
Provincial police commander acting Supt Epenes Nili commended both factions for laying down their weapons and deciding to make peace.
He said the fight had limited the freedom of the people of both tribes, especially women and children.
Supt Nili told the gathering in Wabag town on Monday that fighting was not an answer to any tribal conflicts and people needed to change.
He told the warring factions that tribal fighting had to be seen as a thing of the past.
“No one wins in a fight, it leaves with a negative impact that affects the lives of people and communities,” he said.
Supt Nili urged both parties to stop fighting and change their mindset to accept changes that were taking place.
“Fighting is a major setback for development and progress of modern Enga and Enga must change.”
He endorsed the preventive order issued by the law and order team in restraining both parties from engaging in the fight.
“As from now, no one will move into the devastated area until the peace and good order is fully restored,” Supt Nili said.
Supt Nili also commended Enga’s director of law and order Nelson Leia and his team for spearheading the peace and reconciliation process.