Tension is still high in Madang’s Nagada area after two men were killed and several homes were torched during a violent clash between community groups last weekend.
Madang’s Acting Police Chief, Superintendent Robert Baim, said the trouble began on Saturday night when two drunk men allegedly tried to rob a family. One of them, 26-year-old Russel Samson, was stabbed and died from his injuries. His accomplice was injured and is now in custody.
Word of Samson’s death sparked revenge. A group from a nearby settlement travelled to Nagada early Sunday morning, armed with bush knives and iron rods. They attacked the community, burning down homes and damaging gardens.
In the chaos, 45-year-old Moses Kela, an innocent bystander walking home, was attacked and killed.
“This man had nothing to do with the earlier fight,” said Baim. “His death was a tragic and senseless act.”
Police responded quickly, arresting several people, including the man believed to have led the attack. Five more were picked up in a follow-up raid at Gagasi Lagoon on Tuesday, bringing the total arrests to seven.
Police are urging locals to stay calm as investigations continue.
“We need peace right now. Let the police do our job,” said Baim, also warning evicted settlers not to return to the land they were removed from.
Police officers remain in the area to monitor the situation closely.