On Saturday, 12th October 2024 between 10am-11am young Jessica Yori, an innocent 18-year-old girl from Salt Nomane Karamui District in Simbu Province was stabbed at Tabari Place Bus terminal. Late Jessica Enoch Yori, who should be in year 10 this year but was transferred out of school from Doliba Provincial High School in Simbu to Port Moresby because of family conflict back in Simbu was walking to the Tabari Bus terminal to catch a PMV when thugs approached her, snatched her bilum and phone, however she struggled with the thugs which resulted in her being stabbed on her upper left shoulder just next to her neck. All bystanders were not able to help her because none knew first aid, but a lone man who saw what was happening stopped a taxi and rushed Jessica to Port Moresby General Hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival due loss of blood. Just 1 week after her tragic death, Late Jessica’s funeral service was held over the weekend on Saturday 19th October, at the Dove Funeral Home Chapel and her body was flown to Mt Hagen on Sunday 20th October 2024. A convoy brought her body down to Simbu and further to her home in Perwi village, Sol Nomane Karimui, where she will is to be laid to rest. Late Jessica’s father Mr Enoch Yori told PNG HAUSBUNG that he only wants Justice for his daughter and will not retaliate despite having information of the persons involved in the murder of his daughter. Mr Yori further added that the City Manager, on the 26th of June 2023 launched the Boroko Precinct Transformation Project at Tabari Place. And promised a positive outcome in terms of improved safety, enhanced cleanliness, increased economic opportunities and ownership. However, this very place that is supposed to be a haven is now a place where thugs and criminals can kill and walk free. “My daughter, Jessica Yori was murdered in broad daylight in this very place that you guarantee the safety for women and girls.” "Where are the NCDC Urban Safety Police, that were supposed to be stationed at the bus stop for women and girls safety?” Yori said the only way to restore confidence and safety for all other women is to serve justice for my daughter, so that all other women can know that their lives matter even out on the streets. “Where were the so-called Bus top wardens, the NCDC Urban safety Police personnals, and do we even have CCTV cameras up around that area?” “Where is the K20 million committed by Prime Minister for CCTV in all hotspots?” “How many more mothers and daughters need to suffer from the hands of these thugs?” “As a father I am furious, I am broken, I am in so much pain because Late Jessica is my first born daughter and I believe that my daughter is a victim of the negligence of city authority and the government.” Mr Yori added that the government should equip and empower its agencies to execute their roles and responsibilities effectively for the benefit and safety of its people. On behalf of the grieving family they petition the municipal city authority, the NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the Prime Minister to; 1. Use the Take Back Boroko youths and Police on ground to work with the suspect family and bring the culprit to justice and must ensure that those who are harboring criminal must face the full blunt of law. 2. Pass the Vagrancy Act in NCD. 3. All Bus stop wardens must be well trained and fully equipped and stationed at all the bus stops. 4. Street sellers should be totally banned in Boroko area and other public areas. 5. All PMV Drivers & Crew should be trained and certify with First Aid that is to rescue their passengers in such situations 6. Bus service in the city should be run by NCDC and provide an all-female bus service. 7. CCTV Camera should be installed at all hotspot areas 8. Severe punishment for culprit involving in the murder and other similar cases in the city. 9. NCDC should now create 24 Hours Hotline Call Centre with well-trained and qualified 24 Hours Emergency Rescue Unit, Comprising of Police, Army, Warden, Fire Fighter, Doctor, Medical Officer and NGOs. “We the immediate family of victim are grieving and mourning the passing of our young daughter, and we condemn the brutal act committed towards our daughter and hope that going forward the city must become safe for all women and girls." Mr Yori added that after his daughter's burial, he and his family will continue the fight for justice for their daughter until the murderer is behind bars so that this city must be safe for all women and girls. In the meantime, NCD Governor Powes Parkop has released a statement condemning the killing and stated that with deep sadness and anger, a bright and promising life was cut short in its prime, and this is utterly heartbreaking, unacceptable, and a stark reminder of the violence that continues to plague our city. Parkop stated that the continued harassment, violence, and loss of life faced by women and girls in Port Moresby is not just tragic - it is intolerable. “As a city, we have committed ourselves to making Port Moresby a safe and livable city for all, with a special focus on the safety of women and girls, this is not merely a goal—it is a moral imperative.” “Over the years, we have invested heavily in projects and programs aimed at ensuring the security of our residents, but this recent tragedy underscores that there is much more work to be done.” Governor Parkop said the horrific incident is a setback, particularly in Boroko, where they launched the Boroko Transformation Program last year, alongside the Bus Stop Warden Program. “It was a mistake to discontinue these critical initiatives, and I take full responsibility for that. I am announcing the immediate reinstatement of both programs.” Additionally, Governor Parkop highlighted that he is moving forward with urgency to implement the Safe City CCTV Program, which has been approved in the National Budget. “I have requested the immediate release of funds from the Treasurer to ensure swift action, and a competent company will be engaged without delay to install CCTV cameras across high-risk areas, providing an extra layer of security for our residents.“ “The Boroko Transformation Project and Bus Stop Warden Program will be reinstated and extended to key areas, including Boroko, Tabari, Gordons, Waigani, Koki, and 2 Mile.” Finally, Parkop added that the upcoming Women’s Summit and Expo, scheduled for November 9-13, will be dedicated to finding real, lasting solutions to the challenges facing women and girls in Port Moresby. “Together, we will work towards a future where every woman and girl in our city can live without fear and with the full dignity and respect, they deserve.”