The ongoing tensions between the Kameas and Moveaves in Kerema District, Gulf Province, has left families and communities in Kerema Fish creek unsettled with fear in the end of last year.
According to the Gulf Police Major Incident progressive brief, five significant conflicts have left communities dispersed and in fear in the Fish Creek area in Kerema District, Gulf Province following the initial act of violence between the Kameas and Moveaves.
These events have heightened instability, causing destruction and loss of life.
The first major event took place on on November 27, 2024, at Fish Creek. Armed suspects, collaborating with a known criminal from Goilala Sou Moroa and local Kamea, robbed and murdered Taila Sela Kamangaio from Morobe Province.
Immediate retaliation resulted in another fatality from the Moveave side. Law enforcement arrested three individuals, who are currently detained at Malalaua Police Station.
The second clash erupted on January 15, 2025, at Hinega after being provoked 3 days prior by locals from Moveaves, despite 30 days moratorium agreed upon by both factions. Kameas targeted Moveaves residing at Fish Creek, despite a peace agreement in place.
The attack injured multiple individuals and led to the burning of property.
Among the casualties was 19-year-old Michael Pokana, whose decaying body was discovered days later.
A third violent act unfolded on January 17, 2025, in Waeka, where a Dawa couple was attacked, robbed, and had their infant abducted.
The baby was later returned, though a suspect who facilitated its transfer was detained for suspected involvement.
The fourth wave of destruction came on January 21, 2025, when armed individuals from Watut/Kamea set fire to homes and looted businesses along the Taure River.
While no fatalities were reported, the escalation of hostilities signalled a deepening crisis.
The pattern of these incidents underscores the fragile security situation, necessitating urgent intervention to prevent further violence.
The fourth incident saw armed men from Watut/Kamea set fire to several houses and looted two trade stores belonging to Moveaves along the Taure River during the early hours of January 21, 2025.
Though no casualties were reported, this act further escalated tensions between the two groups.
Meanwhile, the most recent occurred on February 1, 2025, when armed Kamea men travelled down the Lakekamu River, looting a Moveave-owned trade store.
In retaliation, ten Moveave dinghies pursued the attackers, engaging in violent confrontations. Several individuals sustained spear and bullet wounds, but no official reports have been filed.
A few properties were burnt down by armed men of Watut/Kamea, including a permanent building in Hinega near Fish Creek, several homes and two canteens at Taure River.
Gulf Police have made multiple arrest but face lack of cooperation from locals to aid police investigation towards apprehending responsible suspects for the current and previous crimes.