Man killed, school buildings torched in Irugl village

Several buildings were destroyed by fire at Irugl Village and a man was killed north of Denglagu Mission Station in Kundiawa-Gembogl District, Simbu Province, following an alleged domestic violence incident.

The incident reportedly involved a man from Kerowagi District who was married to a woman from Irugl Village.

Madtin Tine, Director of Irugl Orphanage Centre, said the incident occurred at around 10 p.m. last night, about three kilometres from Denglagu Mission Station.

Mr. Tine said two houses were completely destroyed by fire, while two other houses, a double classroom building and a duplex teachers' residence were partially burnt.

"The alleged perpetrator, identified as Juth [name can be withheld], believed to be around 30 years old, was married to a local woman from Irugl Village. He reportedly travelled from Kerowagi District to Kundiawa-Gembogl in search of his wife after a domestic violence incident in their village in Kerowagi forced the woman to flee," Tine said.

He said in the course of searching for his wife, the man allegedly arrived at Irugl Village and set fire to buildings in the area before fleeing the scene.

However, witnesses indicated that youths later caught up with him at Gembogl Station that same night. The man allegedly attempted to attack those who confronted him and the situation escalated, resulting in his death.

Mr. Tine said the incident has raised serious concerns about the devastating consequences of domestic violence, the destruction of community property and the dangers of taking the law into one's own hands.

He said the destruction of homes and educational infrastructure is a significant loss for the affected families and the wider community.

"The damage to the double classroom building and the teachers' residence will disrupt education and affect the welfare of teachers and students," he said.

Police are expected to investigate the matter.