Warring tribes sign deal to end hostility

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

TWO warring tribes in the Asaro Valley in Daulo, Eastern Highlands, have signed a peace agreement to end hostility.

The Kanosa people of Kofena, Upper Asaro, and the Runumbe people of Lower Asaro, had been fighting since last year following the death of former Ombudsman John Nero.

Nero, 38, from Kanosa, was holidaying at his mother’s Gireku village in Runumbe, Lower Asaro, when he passed away on January 10, 2014.

His father’s Kanosa people accused the Runumbe people of causing his death and raided Gireku village.

Leaders from Kanosa and Runumbe met at Kasena Primary School in Lower Asaro last Friday to sign a peace accord.

The ceremony was witnessed by more than 3000 people, including local MP Ron Ganarafo, senior provincial magistrate Mark Selefkariu, Daulo Peace Arbitration Committee chairman Raisis Gondarowe, Watabung Local Level Government president Beckson Kia, Upper Asaro LLG president Michael Kambok and district administrator Ipa Seke.

Jim Lende, a leader of the Kanosa people, apologised to the Gireku villagers for raiding the village and destroying properties, livestock and food gardens. 

“Nero has died and gone. We are sorry for raiding your village and causing destruction. 

“We promise not to do it again,” Lende said.

Justine Gerekave, on behalf of the Gireku villagers, apologised for Nero’s death.

He said only God knew how Nero died.

Ganarafo promised to buy chainsaws to help the two tribes rebuild their houses.