A POLICE officer was shot dead by his own tribesmen at Aipus village, near Wabag town, Enga, yesterday.
Acting provincial police commander Insp Epenas Nili confirmed that First Const Lui Limlim, believed to be in his early 30s from Aipus village, was attached to the General Duties section at the Wabag Police Station.
Nili said after receiving an emergency call, he immediately led
two police units to the scene and managed to prevent the incident from escalating into a tribal warfare.
“The suspects are from the same village and are known to the police.
“The reason behind the murder is not clear at this stage.
“I have tasked the officer in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division Detective Insp Was Kam to head the investigations into the killing,” he said.
“A report will be available as soon as possible.
“I would like to urge the Sikir clansmen of Aipus community to hand over the suspects to the police. I know the suspects and I urge them to surrender.
“Failing to comply will result in a full-scale police operation. Even if you run away, the law will still catch you.”
Nili condemned the killing of the police officer, saying it was an act of evil.
“I will not tolerate any of this inhuman, guerrilla-warfare type behaviour.
“I will make sure that the suspects are captured and severely punished by the law.
“I appeal to the Sikir clansmen and the Apulin tribe not to take the matter into their own hands as this will make the current situation worse.
“Aipus hosts important government institutions like the Johnson Siki Oval, Aipus Police Barracks and is home to more than half of the public servants in Enga. Please allow the law to deal with the perpetrators.
“The situation on the ground is tense but under police control. I have instructed policemen to monitor the area on a 24-hour surveillance watch.
“All government properties and public servants will be fully protected by police.”