Fifty-five individuals lost their lives in a recent ambush in Papua New Guinea’s remote Highlands region, marking the most severe incident in a series of deadly clashes among the nation’s warring tribes.
The victims were fatally shot during a dispute between rival tribes in Enga province, as reported by a national police spokesman to the BBC.
While the region has long grappled with violence, these killings are believed to be on a scale not witnessed in years.
Acting Superintendent George Kakas expressed shock, stating, “This is by far the largest [killing] I’ve seen in Enga, maybe in all of Highlands as well,” according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Police are present at the scene but have yet to gather “full information” about the event.
Last year, similar violence, often rooted in disputes over land and wealth distribution, prompted a three-month lockdown in Enga Province, during which police enforced a curfew and travel restrictions.
