The people of Otibanda in Watut, Bulolo District, Morobe Province, have reconciled after 57 years of division.
The reconciliation involved five clans Otibanda, Ekuta, Titama, Nautia, Apea, and Angamdia who formally ended long-standing disputes in a ceremony organized by the Yokua Primary School board, staff, and students. The school initiated the program after years of poor student performance and lack of development, which the community attributed to unresolved conflicts dating back to 1968.
Reconciliation Program Coordinator and senior teacher, Mr. Lenny Emmanuel, said the initiative aimed to remove barriers to progress and allow children to prosper.
The event brought together clan leaders, representatives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG, the Mineral Resources Authority, and the Watut Local Level Government, who witnessed and accepted the reconciliation.
During the ceremony, representatives of the clans gave their remarks.
Waikanda Parish Pastor Tau Binato urged the community to embrace change and unity, noting the timing as the country approaches its 50th anniversary. School Head Teacher Mrs. Gewe Michael emphasized that reconciliation was the first step towards improving education and development in the area.
The agreement now marks a formal end to decades of conflict among the clans of Otibanda.
