Youth Surrender Arms in Hawain Boikin LLG, East Sepik Province

Youths of Yuo Village in Hawain Boikin LLG of Wewak District in East Sepik Province, supported by their community leaders, surrendered homemade guns and other deadly weapons, including a World War 2 bomb, to the local authorities yesterday.

Community leaders stated that the purpose of the surrender was to pave the way for change within the community.

The youths agreed to abandon their illegal activities and work closely with local leaders to bring much-needed development to the ward council area.

Local MP Stanley Samban, accompanied by Wewak Police, media, and other stakeholders, was present to witness the surrender.

Mr. Samban, when addressing the Yuo Community, emphasized that progress and prosperity only come with a change of mindset and a positive attitude toward these changes.

"There are a lot of educated people in this village, and this is not a village for troublemakers, that is why you must lay down your arms. When you hold onto the arms, it blurs your right thought of mind", Mr Samban told the youth.

The local MP further committed funding of K100,000 for the upgrade of the Yuo Village Road and an additional K50,000 for youth empowerment programs.