Morobe’s worst election violence: Two killed, nine injured in Pindiu
Two people are dead, and nine others are being treated at the Pindiu Health Centre for gunshot and bush-knife wounds after LLG election-related violence in Pindiu, Hube LLG, Finschhafen District.
More than 20 houses were also burnt down, Morobe Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Samson Siguyaru reported.
Superintendent Siguyaru said this problem erupted on Tuesday, which also saw semi-permanent and permanent houses and more than four vehicles burnt in an election violence that’s never been seen in Morobe.
Mr Siguyaru said police have been dispatched from Lae to quell the situation which is still tense.
The Morobe PPC said the fighting was over the tussle for the Hube LLG President’s position between the supporters of two councilors.
“One party is made up of councilors of ward 2, 1, 4, 11 and 14 respectively and is led by Ward 2 Councilor Kiwas Naios,” Mr Siguyaru said in his report.
“The other party is made up of councilors from Ward 5, 10, 15, 16 and 17 and is led by Yaling Zeros of Ward 17.”
“Fighting started on Tuesday, 11th November at about 10 am and continued until Thursday, 13th November.
Mr Siguyaru said police have discovered that one party is using high-powered guns, like two AR-15 rifles and a magnum sidearm arm with multiple homemade guns and bush knives.
The PPC said there are also reports of hired gunmen from Lae brought in to create problems in the district.
The Morobe PPC said police flew in yesterday but still need help.
“We need two motor vehicles to transport all the suspects down to Gagidu station to be further transported by sea to Lae, Mr Siguyaru said.
“We [also] need immediate medical evacuations of the nine injured victims to Lae for medical assistance by helicopter.”
The PPC said the situation on the ground is currently under control and also thanked the Finschaffen District for their support getting police into the trouble spot.
