News
Komo LLG surrenders 120 factory made guns
For years, the sound of gunfire across Hela Province carried a single message: destruction. But on Saturday, November 7, a silent quiet fell over Komo Station—punctuated not by bullets, but by the thud of 120 factory-made rifles and more than 1,000 homemade firearms hitting the ground.
In a province where tribal conflict has long cast a shadow over future generations, the mass surrender marks one of the most significant breakthroughs yet for Hela’s ongoing Gun Surrender and Amnesty Programme.
Behind the staggering pile of surrendered iron lay months of exhausting, behind-the-scenes diplomacy. Community elders, traditional authorities, and provincial leaders spent sleepless nights negotiating with warring tribes, appealing to a shared desire to break the cycle of violence.
The programme was led by the Governor of Hela Province, Philip Undialu, alongside Provincial Administrator Ronny Angu, Komo Hulia MP Daniel Tindipu, Provincial Election Manager John Tipa and other prominent provincial leaders.
Mr Angu says the people of Komo have sent a powerful message to the rest of Hela Province: the time has come to put down the guns, embrace peace and build a better future for the next generation.
"Our children did not create these conflicts, nor did they create the gun culture that has caused so much suffering in our communities. Yet they are the ones growing up with the consequences of our decisions.
"It is our responsibility as parents, leaders and communities to change that story.
"We must ask ourselves one important question: What kind of future do we want our children to inherit? Do we want them to inherit guns, tribal conflicts, fear and destruction, or do we want them to inherit peace, education, opportunities and a prosperous society?
"Today, we must make a choice. We either continue investing in destruction, or we begin investing in peace, security and development. Hela cannot afford to sacrifice another generation to tribal fighting," Angu said.
He said the continuous loss of young lives, destruction of properties and disruption of essential services must come to an end.
"We cannot continue burying our young men, destroying our properties and denying our children opportunities because of conflicts that can be resolved through dialogue, reconciliation and responsible traditional leadership.
"Every bullet surrendered is a life potentially saved. Every gun removed from our communities is another opportunity for a child to grow up without fear," he said.