Tribal fight leaves two dead and three hospitalized in Chuave

Two men were killed in Chuave, Simbu, while three others have sustained bullet wounds after two tribal groups engaged in a brutal gun battle on Friday.

Simbu Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang told NBC that the fight was between the Fowe and Rambau tribe in Siane.

Supt. Rubiang confirmed the death of two men, and the other 3 are fighting for their lives at the Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial General Hospital in Kundiawa.

He said quick responses by the police prevented further escalation as they work towards establishing the cause of the problem.

"Upon hearing the news on Friday, I deployed 10 police officers to the tribal zone where they spent a night to stop the problem from escalating the next day,” Supt. Rubiang said.

The Simbu PPC went to the trouble site on Sunday and spoke to leaders from both sides to cease fire and hold peace talks on Tuesday.

Supt. Rubiang said apart from deaths and injuries reported, one permanent house valued at around K150,000 was burnt to the ground.

Roy Irum, speaking on behalf of the two tribal tribes, thanked Rubiang and his policemen for their swift action to quell the tribal fight.

He also acknowledged the efforts of community leaders, the church, and elites of Siane in bringing the issue under control.

"Such a fight brings malicious destruction and displacement of our womenfolk and children and affects daily chores of life. We all must work together to stop it," he said.