Two Dead in Tokua Airport Armed Robbery Incident

Police in PNG's East New Britain is investigating an armed robbery at the Tokua Airport in the early hours of yesterday morning, which left two men dead and several university students injured.

The two men include a 17-year-old allegedly a suspect, and a security guard. 

This resulted in flights into Tokua cancelled yesterday morning.

Provincial Police Commander, Joseph Tabali, said about 50 PNG University of Natural Resources and Environment Vudal campus students and their parents were at the airport to travel out when they were held up by around 15 armed men. 

PPC Tabali said the men robbed the students and their parents. 

One student was also slashed with a bush knife while another student was also injured. 

He said the students retaliated and chased the men, resulting in the 17-year-old beaten to death at the airport car park.  

PPC Tabali said the 17-year-old was only released last week by the National Court following a previous armed robbery charge. 

He said a security guard was also beaten and died later at the Vunapope Hospital.

PPC Tabali said police will get statements from the students today.

NBC News/ PNG Today

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