The Makol and Makol Tap communities have been urged to remain calm and allow the law to take its course following the killings in Laiagam over the weekend.
This appeal was made by Enga Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Steven Harris, who said police are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness.
Police allege that on the evening of Saturday, 6 June 2026, a dispute broke out during a bel kol compensation exchange ceremony in the Laiagam area between members of the Makol and Makol Tap/Yengulam clans. The disagreement reportedly began when intoxicated individuals interfered with the compensation exchange, prompting the receiving party to refuse the compensation and withdraw from the ceremony.
It is alleged that while returning home, members of the receiving party (Makol Yengulam) opened fire, resulting in the deaths of two innocent people.
Police further allege that on the morning of Sunday, 7 June 2026, a retaliatory attack occurred in Laiagam, claiming the life of an innocent schoolboy who was attending school far from his home and was with his mother at the time. His body was later returned to his home district.
PPC Harris said three innocent lives had been lost and stressed that the victims were bystanders to a dispute they did not cause.
“I do not want to see further payback killings. Let the law deal with those responsible,” he said.
The PPC appealed to all parties involved, including clan leaders and community members in Laiagam and surrounding areas, to refrain from retaliation.
“Those who have died were innocent. Payback will only create more innocent victims. It will not bring the dead back, nor will it resolve the original dispute. It will only destroy more families,” he said.
Police have urged all suspects to surrender at the nearest police station immediately and called on clan and community leaders to use their influence to bring perpetrators forward and help maintain peace.
“I am directing all clan leaders and community members in the affected areas that there will be no further payback. Anyone who takes the law into their own hands will be arrested and prosecuted. My officers are on the ground and will remain there,” PPC Harris said.
“To those responsible for the killings, surrender yourselves to police now. That is your only option. The law will take its course, with or without your cooperation.”
He also warned that anyone harbouring suspects or obstructing police investigations would face the full force of the law.
PPC Harris said Enga does not need more bodies but instead needs people to stand down, hand over suspects, and allow justice to be served through lawful processes.
Police acknowledged the grief of all affected families and urged community leaders to promote peace and restraint rather than inflame tensions.
“Restraint now will save lives. Further violence will only result in more arrests and more funerals,” he said.
Police patrols and checkpoints have been established throughout the affected areas while investigations continue.
PPC Harris urged anyone with information to contact their nearest police station or the Enga Provincial Police Command to assist police in apprehending those responsible.
