A group of young men apparently carried out a number of episodes in a rural area of Papua New Guinea, killing at least ten villagers.
Survivors of the massacre have described hearing their neighbors ‘ cries of pain and watching as others were speared as they attempted to flee the group in boats.
At least 26 folks- including 16 kids- were killed, local media reported, with fears the dying toll may still increase to 50 as the research for survivors continues.
The” shocking” violence appeared to be the result of a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights, according to Volker Türk, the UN’s human rights representative, and urged officials to “ensure those responsible are held accountable.”
Governor Allan Bird claimed for the 100, 000 residents of the Angoram area of East Sepik state where the attack took place that there were only 20 police officials.
More than a week after the murder occurred, federal authorities have now arrived in the area to assist with the investigation.
However, the more than 30 people responsible for the attacks between 16 and 18 July are now known to police, according to regional advertising.
The gang – who Angoram police Inspector Peter Mandi said called themselves “I don’t care”, according to the Guardian – were armed with guns, knives and axes, attacking in the early hours.
They reportedly raped and killed their victims, setting several houses arrive.
One girl described how she had spent hours clinging to a log while the assault was taking place around her.
“I could hear women wailing in pain, children crying out. I was lucky the men didn’t see me,” she told The National newspaper.
Another victim said just of the” shock” attack:” We were helpless”.
The survivors were left behind by the locals who could not escape into the nearby tree.
Provincial police commander Senior Inspector James Baugen described to the Post Courier how bodies had been left “rotting” in the village, while others had been taken by crocodiles after floating down the river.
He added that many of the victims were their kids and parents.
According to Gov. Bird, law and order had been declining in the area for the past six decades.
A equally surprising strike in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands in February, which also claimed the lives of another 26 persons, was thought to be related to property rights.
A year ago, escalating ethnic conflict over property and money led to a three-month shutdown in Enga state, during which authorities imposed a curfew and go restrictions.