In a rural area of Papua New Guinea, a group of young men apparently carried out a series of attacks that resulted in the deaths of dozens of locals. Witnesses to the slaughter have told of hearing the agonized cries of their neighbors and seeing others being speared while attempting to escape the gang on canoes. According to local media, at least 26 people were killed, including 16 children. As the hunt for survivors continues, there are concerns that the death toll could reach 50. The “shocking” violence appeared to be “the result of a dispute over land and lake ownership and user rights,” according to UN human rights chief Volker Türk, who urged officials to “ensure those responsible are held to account.”
Over a week after the violence occurred, national police have now reached the area to assist with the investigation. However, the more than 30 guys who carried out the attacks between July 16 and 18 are previously known to the authorities, according to the local media. Armed with firearms, knives, and axes, the group attacked in the early hours of the morning. According to Angoram police Inspector Peter Mandi, they named themselves “I don’t care,” as reported by the Guardian. They allegedly set many homes on fire while raping and killing their victims.
