Two men were shot dead at Naru village along the Bruce Jeffcott Highway in Madang after a violent clash between police and armed villagers on Thursday afternoon.

According to the Madang National Criminal Intelligence and Transnational Crime Unit, the incident started when a truck carrying tinned fish from Lae to Madang broke down near Naru. Some villagers reportedly looted the container and removed the goods before police arrived.

Madang Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim, said his officers were attacked when they went to protect the driver and recover the stolen items.

“When our team arrived, they were met with armed resistance. The group used homemade guns, wires, spears, and other weapons to attack the officers,” he said.

Superintendent Baim warned that anyone using illegal weapons or blocking public roads will face the full force of the law.

“Law is there to safeguard everyone. If you go against it, law will go against you with full authority,” he said.

He also called on local MPs to support the police with logistics to prevent or stop such incidents from happening.

“We are down with resources and need at least one vehicle to do full-time patrol along the highway,” he said.

The clash lasted about an hour before reinforcements arrived. The two men were confirmed dead at the scene and their bodies taken to Modilon General Hospital for formalities.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident.