The East Sepik Provincial Government (ESPG) has allocated K1.3 million towards supporting police operations in the province, aimed at facilitating a practical response by the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC). Governor Allan Bird stated this on Thursday, July 25th, when voicing serious concern over recent violence in Angoram District, urging swift police intervention to restore peace and bring the perpetrators to justice. At least 26 people, including children, have been killed in brutal violence in East Sepik province. Women and girls were reportedly among the ones massacred by a 33-member gang comprising locals from three villages, which began on July 17th in a remote area on the Sepik River and continued for several days from village to village. Tamara village near the town of Angoram in East Sepik Province came under attack first, with 32 houses torched, followed by Tambari and Agrumara. Those responsible remain at-large and survivors have sought shelter in Angoram Speaking to the National Broadcasting Corporation provincial radio station NBC Wewak, acting PPC, Inspector James Baugen reportedly said,” Most of those that were killed were breastfeeding babies and young children with their mothers.” “The crime scene is rotting with dead bodies. Some of the bodies were seen floating down the Sepik River and taken by crocodiles,” he reportedly said, adding that the killings were ignited by unresolved ongoing conflict between three villages. Addressing the violence and travesty, Governor Bird said, “On behalf of my family and the Provincial Government, I join all Sepiks in expressing our sadness and deep regret over the killings in Angoram.” “Such senseless violence is unacceptable in our society, and I deplore this tragedy in the strongest terms.” He noted the escalating law-and-order challenges since January, despite ongoing efforts to improve policing in the region. “Our law-and-order situation has been deteriorating since our Provincial Police Commander was sidelined in January this year,” he explained, further stating that despite multiple attempts in the past six months, ESP has not been able to secure a permanent PPC or reinstate the previous one. ESP has an Acting PPC, who took over from the ESP PPC Superintendent Christopher Tamari in June 2023 after a suspension. Tamari was then reinstated in May this year, He clarified that the Provincial Government does not have oversight over police functions as that remains the responsibility of the RPNGC hierarchy. “Police and policing are a national function.” “While provinces allocate money to fund police operations, we have no responsibility over police operations - all we can do is help where we can to support the response.” “The Police do not report to any governor or provincial administrator – they report to the Police Commissioner.” “It is the commissioner’s responsibility to provide an appropriate response that will address our law-and-order situation.” Regarding financial support, Governor Bird confirmed, “ESPG has allocated K1.3 million for police operations, and we intend to disburse these funds in accordance with a practical operation by the RPNGC.” Additionally, Governor Bird has reached out to Minister for Forestry and Angoram MP Salio Waipo to request government assistance, particularly in deploying riot police, with a response still pending. Meantime, Minister Waipo in a statement called for calm and said he is in talks with the country’s police commander David Manning to deploy officers to end the violence. Waipo said police would need to clear and secure the “killing zone” before help could be sent to the villagers. The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Papua New Guinea, Richard Howard, condemned the "brutal killings" in Angoram, calling for "an immediate and thorough investigation to ensure justice." His statement on social media emphasized the severity of the tragedy.