The Simbu Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Superintendent, Mazuc Rubiang expressed gratitude to efforts for negotiating a peace agreement over a tribal fight.
PPC Rubiang commended his police personnel and the leaders of Sambuga Wauga in Kerowagi for establishing a level of understanding between the two warring clans, Gurumugl- Kerenga and Dimbai- Gawale.
PPC Rubiang confirmed that the tribal war has claimed seven lives and valuable properties destroyed as well, including the Kerenga Primary School and an Aid Post. The seven deaths, four were from Gurumugl/Kerenga clansmen whilst three were from Dimbai/Gawale clansmen. He said both warring factions used high-powered firearms during the tribal fights.
According to PPC Rubiang, misleading reports of domestic violence between two married couples allegedly sparked a tribal fight between the wife’s clansmen, Dimbal/Gawale, and the husband’s clansmen, Gurumugl/Kerenga, from November 11, 2024, to January 13, 2025. The warring clans were believed to be from the mountains of Enduga ward six in Kup Local Level Government (LLG), Kerowagi, Simbu Province.
Mr. Rubiang stated that despite the loss of lives and property destruction, ongoing peace negotiations and awareness efforts by police and community leaders led the warring clans to agree on peace talks. These talks have resulted in the scheduled “Brukim Sugar” peace ceremony on February 6th, 2025.
PPC Rubiang said the police personnel and the mediation team would camp in the fighting zone for seven days prior to the actual peace ceremony to ensure peace and order is maintained.
“I thank all the police personnel for their tireless efforts in conducting awareness for the warring clans to lay down arms, cease fighting and let peace ceremony take effect.
“I also commend the leaders of Sambuga Wauga of Kerowagi for creating the initiative and moved into the fighting zones and assisted police in conducting awareness for peace.
Mr. Rubiang commended the leaders for their fearless approach in ensuring the safety of others and thanked the Catholic Church in Mingendi for donating rations to support the Sambuga Wauga leaders camping with the police in the fighting zones.
PPC Rubiang urged all provincial leaders to help maintain law and order in their communities and the province.