Police restore calm in Banz after ethnic clashes over murder case

Normal activities in Banz came to a standstill on Wednesday following continuous clashes between two ethnic groups.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector Laimo Asi confirmed the unrest was triggered by the recent murder of a pregnant mother from Jiwaka, allegedly by her husband from Nipa in the Southern Highlands. The woman was reportedly buried in an open toilet pit earlier this month.

"There was chaos as relatives and opportunists took the matter onto the streets, causing widespread damage to the market and closure of the stores on Wednesday and Thursday," Inspector Asi said.

He told NBC News that Jiwaka police were on alert, closely monitoring the situation, and that peace and normalcy were restored today.

PPC Asi said leaders from both ethnic groups will now meet with police to mediate peace and discuss compensation demands for the deceased mother.

Police remain on the ground monitoring the situation and dispersing public gatherings when necessary.

Inspector Asi urged the public to report incidents to their leaders or the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.