13 dead in Sambio land dispute

Thirteen people are dead following a land dispute at Sambio village in Bulolo district last weekend, with police now on the ground monitoring the situation.

Bulolo MP Sam Basil Junior condemned the barbaric act and has called on stakeholders to work closely to resolve the problem.

Bulolo district administrator Joseph O'Brian Paru said the fight was a result of a dispute between the Sambio villagers and a Mining Lease holder at the Sambio river side. Paru said the situation is tense, and they expect the police to continue to monitor the situation.

Samson Siguyaru, the PPC for Morobe, thanked the Bulolo District for assisting the deployment of Police into Bulolo. PPC Siguyaru assured that the Police will be on the ground to monitor the situation and provide safety for all, including commuters travelling the Wau-Bulolo highway.

In a press conference on Tuesday, the MP called on the Lands Minister, John Rosso, to revoke and review the mining lease at Sambio.

He also called on the Mineral Resources Authority [MRA] to make sure they do proper inspections on people's land before issuing licenses to avoid disputes that can lead to such incidents as this in the future.

Mr Basil appealed to his people to refrain from posting on social media and warned that anyone caught doing so could face cybercrime charges.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the men who lost their lives in the fight.