Student among Three Killed Following Enga Tribal Compensation Dispute

A young schoolboy and two men have lost their lives after a compensation ceremony descended into violence in Enga Province, raising fears of further tribal unrest in the area.

The deaths occurred in Lagaip District where clans had gathered to settle differences through a BEL KOL payment ceremony, but the event turned deadly after a disagreement erupted among participants.

 Student among Three Killed Following Enga Tribal Compensation Dispute/Photo supplied

Police investigations indicate that the confrontation began during the traditional compensation exchange at Laigam on Saturday evening.

Enga Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Steve Harris said alcohol-fuelled interference by several men triggered tensions between the clans involved.

The receiving group reportedly rejected the payment and decided to leave the gathering after the dispute intensified.

As they moved away from the venue, shots were allegedly fired, killing two men instantly.

In a separate act of retaliation, a young boy who was not connected to either clan was killed while accompanying his mother. Police said the child was originally from another district and was attending school in the locality.

Security forces have since moved into the area to stabilise the situation. Officers are carrying out patrols, monitoring tribal borders and operating checkpoints to discourage further attacks.

Police have also warned that those involved in the killings must surrender or face prosecution.

“On Saturday evening during a BEL KOL ceremony in Laigam, a dispute broke out between two clans when intoxicated individuals interfered with the exchange. This made the receiving party withdraw from the area as they refused to accept what was given. As they were leaving, they were shot at killing 2 men on the spot.”