Over 180 people involved in burning and damaging properties in Maprik, East Sepik Province have been arrested on Tuesday August 6th, due to quick response from police within the province.
Commander of Border Command, Assistant Commissioner of Police Perou N’Dranou confirmed that former acting ESP PPC Senior Inspector James Bugen and police officers from, Wewak, Yangoru, Wosera and Maprik are currently on the ground in Maprik monitoring the situation.
He said the situation was under control after the arrest of the suspects.
“I am yet to confirm the number of properties damaged and whose properties were destroyed,” ACP N’Dranou said.
He said police are still confirming the exact number of damaged properties and the reasons behind the destruction, as well as the number of people injured in the incident.
“The information provided by the suspects arrested will help establish the facts that led to the incident that led to the instruction of the properties.”
ACP N’Dranou praised the quick response of police and thanked the citizens of East Sepik for their cooperation in calming the unrest.
He urged the public to continue supporting the police to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
“I also want to thank the genuine citizens of Maprik and East Sepik who were providing information to the police who responded and arrested the 189 male suspects involved.”
“The mass arrest of those suspects had calmed down the situation.”
“Those who were arrested will be profiled by the police and they will be dealt with accordingly.”
“I also want to thank the genuine citizens of East Sepik who did not take the situation to damage the other properties that will benefit them.”
“The people managed the situation and guarded the properties that would benefit them all.”
He further called on the public to help police provide details of those who caused the problems so they can deal with them once and for all.
He said if the police officers are not assisted, and the main suspects are not brought to justice the problem will not be solved.
ACP N’Dranou added that he is in close communication with East Sepik Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Christopher Tamari and SIP James Bugen regarding the incident and revealed that additional manpower from Mobile Squad Units will fly into the province today, Wednesday August 7th to assess the situation.
The 189 suspects arrested are currently at Maprik Cell, and police are interviewing them to find out what really happened, and they were involved. Still waiting for the brief from the police and the crime report.