The Alternative Government issued a press statement today expressing deep sorrow over the tragic massacre in Wapenamanda, Enga Province, where over 50 men lost their lives in ongoing tribal conflicts.
Urging swift action, the opposition called upon the National Government to utilize its power and resources to address the escalating violence.
Standing in solidarity with Enga’s leaders, particularly Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, the Opposition emphasized the need for enhanced police presence to bolster security in the affected regions.
They lamented the devastating impact of the violence, which not only claimed lives but also led to the abuse and assault of women and children.
In addition to demanding justice for the victims’ families, the opposition urged immediate action to trace the source of firearms fuelling the conflict.
Highlighting concerns about the ease of access to weapons, they called for a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for supplying arms to tribal war criminals.
Expressing disappointment in the Government’s response to the crisis, the Opposition criticized the lack of tangible results and called for accountability at both the ministerial and commissioner levels.
Emphasizing the urgency of restoring law and order, they underscored the need for specialized police units and greater autonomy for provincial governments to effectively address security challenges.
The Opposition reiterated their commitment to advocating for meaningful change, emphasizing the importance of strong leadership and decisive action to address the country’s pressing law and order issues.