Local media reported on Wednesday that a mass killing spree left at least 26 people, including women and children, dead in Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s East Sepik Province.
According to the National, a spate of killings, rape and burning down of properties took place across the Sepik River villages of Tamara, Tambari and Agrumara in Angoram region of the province.
Over 30 local youths have allegedly been blamed for the incidents, with the first killings in Tamara from July 17 to July 18, followed by Tambari the next day and later, the National reported.
Angoram Member of Parliament Salio Waipo told media that the mass killing and property destruction were related to a land dispute.
“The Angoram District Development Authority will await police investigations to clear the killing zones before help can be dispatched,” he was quoted as saying.
Waipo also revealed that the 33 suspects have been identified and a police team was also deployed.
He called on families of victims to stay calm and peaceful, and asked for cooperation with police officers assigned to assist.
Located on the northeast coast of PNG, the East Sepik Province spans over 43,000 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 433,481 people.
