Catholic Priest brutally murdered in PNG

A local Catholic priest was killed as a result of payback killings between warring tribes in Kunimaipa valley in Goilala, Central province.

The priest, identified as Father Garry Maria Inau, who hails from that area, was brutally killed by rival tribesmen and his body buried inside the local church.

Fr Garry Maria Inau, was killed last Sunday in his area in Goilala.

His body was buried last Friday, inside the church where he had celebrated Easter with his people.

Fr Garry was ordained Priest only nine months ago, at the Bereina parish.

His death was amongst many that have resulted from pay back killings between warring tribes in the area.  

Fr Garry came from a humble beginning, and has the heart for his people.

His intention was to serve as God’s servant to his people, and to change some of their unwanted behaviour. However, he became a victim of violence and pay-back killings.

Due to communication barriers between Port Moresby and Goilala, it took nearly a week for the Church to get correct information.

Bishop of Bereina, Rochus Tatamai, said pay back killings have been occurring since 2011, but have not been reported.

However, he said this one makes news because a priest was killed.

Meanwhile, Police officers were deployed to the area yesterday, to minimise tension between rival tribes.

PNG Today / EMTV News