POLICE CONFIRMED SIX DEATHS AND HOUSES BURNT DOWN IN SAMBIO, BULOLO DSIRTICT
Six people were killed and houses burnt down in Sambio, Bulolo district of Morobe province following serious incident of armed confrontation..
Police units from Mumeng and Bulolo together with members of Mobile Squad 15 are providing security presence at Sambio where six people were killed and the six permanent houses.
The swift intervention from Mobile Squad 15 and the Morobe Response Unit assisted to contain the situation over the weekend from further escalation.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent, Samson Siguyaru confirmed, the six dead bodies are at Bulolo hospital and would be taken to the Angau General Hospital Morgue.
PPC Siguyaru stated, some people are still missing, and the police are yet to confirm the number of deaths.
According to PPC Siguyaru, the incident involving arson, armed confrontation, and subsequent retaliatory violence was between Mr Patrick Bendum and his families and Sambio village in Bulolo district.
Police alleged that on Thursday 23rd April 2026, Patrick’s son got drunk and fired eight (8) rounds from his pistol at the youths at Sambio primary school gate. The youths retaliated and burnt his bottle shop. The Mumeng police attended to the matter in the morning from 8am -9am. On Friday 24th April, the situation was quiet but tense.
It is also alleged that on Saturday 25th April, the members of Bulolo attended a mediation requested by both parties where they agreed that compensation would be met by youths responsible but did not happen. In the afternoon Partick went to Bulolo and took some youths from the Commission area and brought to Sambio. Whilst under the influence of alcohol fired gunshots during the night till morning Sunday 25th April. This escalated into a mess attack by Sambio villagers where six lives were lost whilst six permanent houses were burnt into ashes.
“Police have ordered both parties to lay down weapons and return to their respective areas. The police are maintaining a strong presence in the area, and the situation remains under close monitoring.
“A full criminal investigation is now underway and those responsible for the violence, including unlawful killings, arson, and firearm offences, will be identified and brought before the courts,” PPC Siguyaru said.
PPC has urged all community members to remain calm, refrain from retaliation, and cooperate with the law enforcement authorities. He said further updates would be provided as information becomes available.
