Fagululu gang burns homes, clashes with police

A violent standoff is unfolding in Fagululu, Esa’ala District, after a gang of armed youths torched more than 20 houses and forced villagers to flee.

Police reports indicate the gang, initially five suspects, has swelled to over 100 members after officers attempted to enter the area on Wednesday. The police were forced to retreat when they were met with a planned ambush and outnumbered.

The unrest began on Monday following an argument at the Upawala River between villager Peidin Hubert and one of the suspects over prawn-diving rights. The suspect later returned with accomplices armed with bush knives and homemade guns, destroying Hubert’s home and garden before attacking other households.

At least 20 homes have since been burned, leaving residents displaced and hiding in surrounding areas.

A police team from Alotau has been deployed to Fagululu and is currently attempting to negotiate with the gang to bring the situation under control.