Madang police report ‘predominantly peaceful Easter’

Police in Madang Province have reported a ‘predominantly peaceful Easter’, with only a few incidents reported across the province's six districts.

Provincial Police Commander, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, described the overall situation in the province from Thursday, 18 April to Monday, 21 April as ‘quiet and manageable’, unlike previous Easter long weekends.

“Generally, the province observed a peaceful Easter. Many communities reflected and celebrated in peace. Most crimes reported were minor and manageable at the station level”, Baim said.

In the Usino/ Bundi/ Gama District, two armed holdups were reported along the Madang/ Ramu Highway, involving route 100 PMV buses. The first incident was reported at Guava Mountain early last week, and the second occurred on April 18 at Watarais. Both incidents were handled by the Ramu police. Other crimes reported in the district were recorded as minor.

In the Middle Ramu District, local police reported two separate cases of wilful murder. The first incident occurred on April 18 in Keram, where 57 homes were reduced to ashes, together with a break- and- enter incident at Keram Primary School. The second wilful murder case was reported at Romaken.

PPC Baim said, “The situation at Keram was tense, necessitating ongoing police presence”.

Sumkar District reported a quiet long weekend with only one wounding incident at the Mangem Care Centre on April 19, which was managed effectively.

In Bogia District, most people attended church programs, contributing to a serene Easter holiday. A murder case was, however; reported at Yawar Local Level Government prior to the long weekend. The case is under investigation.

Raikos District also remained largely peaceful, though police were notified of missing boats and sea mishaps near the Basamuk Refinery Plant due to heavy flooding.

Madang District reported several incidences leading up to the long weekend and during Easter, including a break- and- enter at a Divine Word University staff flats on April 19, and a minor traffic accident at the Wasala Corner, just outside town. 

Acting Superintendent Baim said, “An attempted hold-up at Matupi on April 18 was foiled, resulting in one fatality and three hospitalisations”.

Despite these incidences, the Central Business District remained quiet throughout with most business houses closed and a liquor ban enforced, which contributed to a peaceful atmosphere.

Baim stated, “We are thankful for the cooperation by the public and local businesses during this period. The reduced movement, church involvement, and liquor restrictions certainly helped maintain law and order”.

He further emphasised the importance of community ownership in promoting law and order across the province, stressing that the Community Police Units [CPU] in the province continue to play a vital role in this area.

PPC Baim has also heaped praise on them for their contributions to the ongoing fight against lawlessness in the province.

He said the presence of CPUs in the communities continues to assist his policemen and women in cracking down on lawlessness in their respective areas.