20 factory made guns surrendered in Koroba Lake Kopiago District

Four communities in Koroba–Lake Kopiago District, Hela Province, have voluntarily surrendered 20 factory-made firearms, more than 50 homemade guns, a hand grenade and various traditional weapons, including bows and arrows.

The surrender took place on Wednesday and brought together people from Egele, Yaluba 1, Yaluba 2 and Pupa.

It is the first gun surrender program conducted in Koroba–Lake Kopiago District and the fifth peace ceremony of its kind in Hela Province.

The ceremony was witnessed by Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Koroba–Lake Kopiago MP William Bando, Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu and Provincial Police Commander Inspector Arau Mairi.

Members of the police, PNG Defence Force and local community leaders also attended.

Governor Undialu, who leads the Hela Provincial Gun Surrender Program, commended ward councillors, leaders and community members for their efforts to end years of tribal violence and rebuild peace in their communities.

“We will continue this program throughout Hela until illegal firearms no longer pose a threat to our communities. These foreign weapons have warped minds, turning brother against brother and destroying our villages. Working together, we will restore Hela Province to a place of safety where people can travel freely and access vital services once again,” Governor Undialu said.

Mr Bando said the Yaluba event marks the beginning of a broader district-wide disarmament drive, commending local clans for taking what he described as a decisive step towards lasting peace.

“This marks the beginning of our mission to clear weapons from our district. We urge neighbouring communities to prepare, as our team will move village by village until every tribe and clan surrenders their arms.

“We are doing this for the future of our children and our youth, many of whom have been denied an education due to endless tribal conflict,” Mr Bando said.

He said genuine peace was essential for the delivery of government infrastructure and social services.

The Hela Provincial Gun Surrender Program continues across the district, with neighbouring villages in the Pureni community scheduled to surrender their weapons today.