A man accused of involvement in the killing of a 26-year-old man in Wapenamanda District has voluntarily surrendered to police.

Acting Commissioner of Police Samson Kua confirmed the suspect surrendered on January 13 and is now in police custody in Wabag, where he is facing a murder charge. The suspect’s identity has been withheld.

Police allege that the victim, Aitawe Nap, a 26-year-old student from the Paliu Tribe of Pipi village in Wabag, was travelling in a Land Cruiser utility on December 31st, 2025, when he was ambushed and killed during an incident linked to an ongoing tribal conflict in Wapenamanda District.

Acting Commissioner Kua said six suspects were identified following increased security operations in the area late last year, funded by the government. He said community and tribal leaders were informed and asked to assist police by encouraging suspects to surrender.

He said the unconditional surrender followed sustained efforts by the Enga Provincial Police Command, led by Acting PPC Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe.

The Acting Commissioner has appealed to leaders of the Yakuman and Miok tribes to assist police by ensuring the remaining five suspects surrender to authorities to face the law.

Police say investigations into Mr. Nap’s death are continuing.