Mayhem in Porgera fighting, 8 dead, business, govt services shut down, thousands homeless

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Mayhem in Porgera fighting, 8 dead, business, govt services shut down, thousands homeless

PORT MORESBY: Fierce tribal fights have broken out in Porgera on Wednesday (May 4, 2022) with the death toll reported at eight.

Business houses and government offices have closed down indefinitely with more than 100 houses burnt down, making thousands homeless.

Those affected have been seen fleeing from burning houses and from the “battlefields”.

The main dispute of the two tribes – Nomali and Aiyel clans – is over landowner leadership of Porgera Mine in Enga.

The news break was reported by The National:

8 dead

May 9, 2022The NationalMain Stories

People displaced by the tribal fight in Porgera. The Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry is calling for Government intervention. – Picture supplied

By REBECCA KUKU and DALE LUMA
FIERCE tribal fights have broken out in Porgera with the death toll reported at eight since they started on Wednesday.
Business houses and government office have closed down indefinitely with more than 100 houses burnt down, making thousands homeless.
Those affected have been seen fleeing from burning houses and from the “battlefields”.
The main dispute of the two tribes – Nomali and Aiyel clans – is over the landowner leadership of the Porgera Mine in Enga.
Assistant Police Commissioner Operation Samson Kua said the fighting in Porgera was an old tribal fight between two clans.
“It’s an ongoing tribal fighting that was recently addressed with the signing of a ceasefire agreement between the two tribes but flared up again at the end of last week,” he said.
“We have deployed mobile squad 11 from Wabag and mobile squad 5 units from Mt Hagen to Pogera to assist local police to address the issue.”
Porgera administrator Jerry Maku also confirmed that PNG Defence Force soldiers arrived yesterday to support police.
Paiam Hospital Medical Superintendent Jerry Hoga said the Paiam District Hospital would only be providing emergency services due to the tribal fighting.
Hoga said there were two doctors, 30 nurses and three health extension officers on the ground with him and they would be on standby to treat any emergency cases.
Hoga said he could not comment on the death toll but said that so far, there had been four bodies brought to the hospital morgue from the tribal fighting.
Porgera Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nickson Pakea said Porgera was on the verge of “collapse” and ruled by thugs to a point of no return if security was not beefed up fast.
“Tribal fighting between Nomali and Aiyel clans broke out again last week,” he said.
“Sporadic fighting have been ongoing the past year.
“An employee of Ipili Porgera Investment was axed to death on his head at about 8am by Aieyel clan members when he got off a bus at Paiam road junction near the police station.
“On the same day at Porgera station, an elderly man from Paiela was shot by his son-in-law from Tari over a family dispute earlier in the night.
“On the fourth day of fighting yesterday, all semi-permanent houses, including the club of our lord mayor were razed.
“There are unconfirmed deaths more than six and properties worth millions damaged.
“The fight is ongoing in the vicinity of police barracks, hospitals and schools and the lives of public servants and the public are at risk.
“Last week, all schools in Porgera were closed as result of the warlord thugs invading Porgera town and Porgera station by Tari and Paielans in a fresh fight over family disputes.
“The thugs are also trying to break into the PJV (Porgera Joint Venture) sage mill.
“There is strong resistance by security personnel, including the MS 9 mobile squad’s 11 policemen from Wabag.
“General election 2022 is around the corner and this ongoing war is a threat to public safety and a fair electoral process.
“The responsible authorities, including the Enga administration, must look into the problem seriously until the polls are over and the Porgera Mine reopens.
“Porgera needs Government intervention now, not tomorrow.”
Pakea said earlier this year, a mediation was conducted by peace officers, provincial law and order committees and churches.
However, the peace memorandum was breached again on Wednesday when the warring clans clashed in Porgera town.
“Due to non-availability of foreign troops, the fight erupted in Paiam Town, forcing schools and business houses to close,” Pakea said.

Guns programme ends

May 9, 2022The NationalMain Stories

By REBECCA KUKU
SOME 1,000 soldiers will eventually be based in Tari-Pori to maintain law and order, Prime Minister James Marape says.
“The opening of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force Forward Operating Base will see 100 soldiers stationed there,” he said.
“Another 900 will be stationed here when the 3rd battalion barracks is completed.
“With the base, there will be no more mediation programmes for guns surrender in Hela.”
Speaking during official visit to Tari-Pori on Friday to witness the opening of the base, Marape told the people that new laws had been passed.
“Those are caught with guns, whether its factory-made or homemade, will be jailed for life,” he warned.
Marape said he and Governor Philip Undialu had been working together to change Hela.
“The provincial government led the mediation programme for nearly two years and we thank those who surrendered their firearms and worked with us,” he said.
“But for those who have not, the mediation programme ends now, and you will be charged, if caught.”
Marape urged the people to lay down their arms and start their own businesses or go into agriculture.
“We are also opening the new Women’s Development Bank and the People’s Bank,” he said. “Please make use of the banks.
“Start saving, get a loan, build your own businesses and make your mark.
Undialu, who has been spearheading the programme, said law and order went hand in hand with development, education and businesses.
“The new law will see those who are still in possession of firearms imprisoned for life,” he said.
“There is no more time for mediation. We now have police and soldiers based in the province and the provincial government will be working in partnership with them to build Hela.