• Gang kills women and children in Papua New Guinea massacre – reports
• Local media reported at least 26 deaths, including 16 children, with fears the toll could rise
• The attack is being attributed to a dispute over land and lake ownership
• Local media say police know the identities of the over 30 men involved, who were armed with guns, knives, and axes
• The gang allegedly raped and killed their victims and set homes on fire

Gang kills women and children in Papua New Guinea massacre – reports

Dozens of villagers have been killed in a series of attacks by a gang of young men in a remote region of Papua New Guinea. Local media reported at least 26 deaths, including 16 children, with fears the toll could rise to 50 as searches continue.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the violence “shocking,” attributing it to a dispute over land and lake ownership, and urged accountability for those responsible. Governor Allan Bird highlighted the severe shortage of police in the Angoram district, with just 20 officers for 100,000 residents.

National police have now arrived to aid in the investigation, more than a week after the attacks occurred. Local media reported that police know the identities of the over 30 men involved, who were armed with guns, knives, and axes. The gang allegedly raped and killed their victims and set homes on fire.

Governor Bird noted a decline in law and order in the region over the past six months. A similar land-related attack in Papua New Guinea’s Highlands in February also resulted in 26 deaths. Escalating tribal conflicts have previously led to a three-month lockdown in Enga province, where police imposed curfews and travel restrictions.