Local police have confirmed the death of at least 26 people in a fresh outbreak of tribal violence in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Samson Kua said the victims were killed in an ambush in Enga Province in the Pacific nation’s remote highlands in the early hours of Sunday, with bodies believed to be in the bush.
Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary Acting Superintendent George Kakas told newsmen that Police initially reported that more than 50 men had been killed, before revising the death toll down to 26, describing it as the largest in Enga.
Police believe many of the victims of Sunday’s incident might have been mercenaries, men who roam the countryside offering to help tribes settle scores with their rivals.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has reacted to the news from Papua New Guinea, stating that such acts are barbaric and inhuman while promising to assist and support in a practical way.
