Two killed as tribal violence rekindles on Western Highlands-Enga border

A volatile tribal conflict between the Lumusa communities of Western Highlands and the Waiplin Tribe of Enga Province has claimed two more lives, as a husband and wife were killed and burned during a breach of a police ceasefire.

The ongoing unrest, which began in September 2025, is reportedly fueled by a dispute over the unfair distribution of labour regarding a road construction project along the border of the two districts.

The violence originally flared after an excavator was set on fire by members of the Lumusa community. While three suspects were arrested and remain in custody in Mt Hagen, the Waiplin Tribe retaliated with an attack that killed a pastor and a community member.

In an effort to curb the bloodshed, police previously facilitated peace talks and issued a preventive standing order. However, authorities report that this order was violated during the New Year period.

The recent surge in violence has resulted in a husband and wife, both serving as pastors, were killed and their bodies burned. Fifteen houses were destroyed, including a permanent residence, a trade store, and kunai-thatched homes.

On Thursday, January 8, police and medical officers trekked to the remote Lumusa area to conduct post-mortems on the victims, who had been buried in makeshift graves along the roadside.

During the visit, police conducted an awareness program to educate locals on the devastating social and economic costs of tribal warfare. Officers urged both sides to lay down their weapons and pursue legal reconciliation.

Despite the police intervention, the atmosphere along the Lai River, which serves as the provincial border remains critical. Lumusa community leaders have publicly called for the arrest of suspects from the Waiplin side, stating they have had enough of the conflict.

Reports indicate that men on the ground remain armed and on high alert, prepared for further retaliatory attacks.