Two killed, services shut down as tensions rise in remote Simbu district

A violent tribal clash in the remote Karamui district has resulted in the closure of multiple schools, a health centre, and local airstrips, depriving children of their right to education and cutting off access to essential services.

Local teacher and community leader Samson Domu raised the alarm this week following the outbreak of fighting between two rival clans, which has plunged the area into crisis.

“The ongoing violence has forced the indefinite closure of Karepa Primary, Dopaia Primary, Karamui High School, five elementary schools, and the Segemaru Lutheran Health Centre,” Domu said. “We had to shut everything down to protect our students, staff, and infrastructure.”

He also confirmed that both the Karamui Station Airstrip and Manu Airstrip have ceased operations due to heightened security concerns.

Simbu Provincial Police Commander Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang said a Kundiawa-based police squad was deployed on Monday to the conflict zone to contain the situation. He confirmed that two people were killed in the violence and properties were destroyed.

Police have since arrested nine suspects, with several surrendering voluntarily. More are expected to turn themselves in during a scheduled peace negotiation on Thursday.

“We are working to stabilise the situation and ensure public servants, teachers, students, and local business owners feel safe to return and resume their duties,” Supt. Rubiang said.

Police reports indicate that the violence began last Thursday when a group of armed men from Wariyo village launched a surprise attack on Meiyo-Sorita, targeting a man identified as Dabu Yaluwai.

Yaluwai was reportedly shot twice with arrows, one tipped with an iron rod before his attackers chopped his legs and killed him.

In retaliation, relatives of the deceased mobilised and stormed Wariyo village, burning seven semi-permanent houses, destroying food gardens, and displacing residents. During the counterattack, a second man, John Kobu, was killed with a machete.

Many others from both factions sustained serious injuries from machetes, arrows, and bullets. Several are believed to be in critical condition.

Community leaders are now calling for urgent mediation and reconciliation, fearing the violence could escalate further without swift intervention. Domu said education must not continue to suffer as a result of tribal conflicts.

“Our children are the biggest victims. They are being robbed of their future,” he said.

Authorities have urged residents to cooperate with police and support peace efforts to allow for the restoration of law, order, and essential services in Karamui.