In the early hours of May 19 local time, a serious ethnic clash broke out in North Waigani, Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, leaving at least five people dead and causing a major fire that destroyed the Waigani Market and affected nearby properties.
According to the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) of Papua New Guinea, the conflict—believed to be between members of the Enga community and another ethnic group—led to the deliberate burning of the well-known Waigani Market. The fire quickly spread, threatening nearby homes and properties, with thick smoke billowing over the area.
NCD/Central Police Commander Benjamin Turi confirmed the deaths to the media later in the day. One of the bodies was found decapitated among the charred remains of makeshift shelters near the Waigani drain area, which had reportedly been occupied by one of the groups involved in the clash.
Eyewitnesses said the incident was triggered when a man refused to hand over two kina to a group near the back gate of Stop & Shop. He was then stabbed and, while attempting to flee to a nearby police station, was struck by a speeding vehicle, sustaining serious leg injuries.
The incident quickly escalated into large-scale violence, with retaliatory attacks and the setting of fires. Despite efforts by police to contain the situation, the market and surrounding structures were severely damaged.
Commander Turi condemned the violence, stating, “People have lost respect for human life. It is a tragic situation when individuals disregard the rule of law and take justice into their own hands.”
Local authorities have since increased patrols in the area to prevent further escalation and are urging communities to remain calm and resolve disputes through legal channels. A full investigation into the incident is currently underway.
