Enga Governor, Chief Sir Peter Ipatas has called on the National Government to urgently implement the State of Emergency (SOE) in the Porgera – Paiela District in Enga Province.
Governor Ipatas issued this urgent plea following a surged in tribal violence in Porgera Valley over the past few days.
The violence has reached unprecedented levels with the use of illegal high-powered weapons becoming commonplace without any repercussion. Tensions remain high, and the conflict shows no signs of improving without urgent police-led interventions.
The violence has led to loss of many innocent lives, displacement of people, property destruction and heightened fears for the safety of local residents and businesses.
“This situation is dire. We have witnessed innocent lives being claimed and properties destroyed within days. The current situation can’t continue,” said Governor Ipatas.
“The National Government must act swiftly to implement the SOE for Porgera Valley to restore peace and order,” Governor Ipatas said.
The impact of the ongoing violence extended beyond local communities with all businesses and government services affected with employees, public servants and their families displaced from their homes and at imminent risk.
The Porgera Mine, a critical asset for the national economy is facing increasing threats. If these security challenges are not addressed promptly, there was an ongoing risk of the mine being shut down to safeguard its operations and personnel, which could have significant economic impact for the country.
Governor Ipatas also emphasized the need for an immediate increased the deployment of disciplinary forces to manage the crisis effectively and law and justice system in Porgera also needed to be immediately re-established for the rule of law to prevail
