Massacre: Gang kills women and children

In a rural area of Papua New Guinea, a group of young males was said to have carried out several attacks that resulted in the deaths of numerous locals.

Witnesses to the slaughter have recounted hearing their neighbors' agonizing screams and seeing others speared as they attempted to escape the gang in canoes.

Local media stated that at least 26 people, including 16 children, had died. As the hunt for survivors continues, there is concern that the death toll could still reach 50.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Türk said the "shocking" violence seemed to be "the result of a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights" and appealed to officials to "ensure those responsible are held to account".

More than a week after the violence, national police have now arrived in the area to assist with the investigation. However, local media reports that police already know the identities of the over thirty men who carried out the attacks between July 16 and July 18. The gang, who allegedly called themselves "I don't care," according to Angoram police Inspector Peter Mandi, attacked in the early hours of July, armed with guns, knives, and axes. They are accused of raping and killing their victims, setting numerous homes on fire, and robbing them of their lives. One woman described how she had floated for hours clinging to a log, trying to remain silent while the attack continued around her.

Senior Inspector James Baugen, the provincial police commander, reported that some remains had been snatched by crocodiles after floating down the river, while others had been left "rotting" in the settlement.

Several of the deceased, he continued, were mothers and their offspring.

According to Governor Bird, there has been a decrease in law and order in the area for the past six months.

It was believed that land ownership was also the reason behind another horrific incident that occurred in February in the Highlands of Papua New Guinea, killing another 26 people.