Governor Rapa calls for calm and travel suspension after new video released by Late Josepha Nuan’s relatives

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa has issued an urgent public warning after a new video was shared last night on social media by the relatives of the late Josepha Nuan from Bena, Eastern Highlands Province.

Josepha was one of the two female students who were killed in Mt. Hagen two weeks ago.

In the video, the family showed their deep anger and demanded quick and strong justice.

This warning follows the Governor’s earlier statement on Monday, where he condemned the murders of Tabitha Magimoor and Josepha Nuan. Both were students at the University of Technology in Lae.

The two young women were reportedly burnt alive in an attack linked to Local Level Government election tensions on the outskirts of Mt. Hagen City.

Governor Rapa again called for justice and promised that all those involved will be arrested.

He said police must continue their investigations without any disturbance and asked the public to stay calm during this sensitive and highly emotional time.

“According to Police, there are already six suspects brought into custody. Let us wait for police investigations to continue and for more culprits to be apprehended and held accountable before we consider travelling,” Governor Wai said.

“This is a time of mourning and frustration. I strongly advise all Western Highlanders and Upper Highlands travelers, especially business operators, workers, and students residing in Madang and Morobe Provinces, not to travel along the Highlands Highway until further notice.”

Governor Rapa also said he was sad and concerned after he was unable to meet the family of late Josepha Nuan when they came to Mt. Hagen over the weekend to collect her body and take it to Goroka.

“I really wanted to meet with the immediate family before they took late Josepha Nuan away, to personally express my condolences and pay my final respects,” he said.

“I waited from Monday morning until afternoon, but they did not meet with me. They came and took her away without seeing me, and as the Governor, I am saddened and very concerned by this.”

The Governor ended by calling for unity, peace, and patience, reminding everyone to respect the investigation process and allow police to do their work properly.

However, the NBC News has confirmed that the highway along the Bena and Henganofi section of the Highlands Highway in the Eastern Highlands province is free, and public transports are moving freely.

The social media speculations about the proposed roadblock along the highland's highway is not true.