PRIME Minister James Marape has strongly condemned the recent reports of violence and killings highlighted on the front page of the Post-Courier today, particularly the tragic incidents in Goilala District.
The Prime Minister has called on all Papua New Guineans to reject violence and adhere to lawful and peaceful ways of resolving disputes, emphasising that taking another person’s life is never a solution to grievances.
“As a Christian nation, we are guided by Christian principles, and one of the fundamental
teachings is that life is sacred. Taking another person’s life to resolve a grievance or dispute is not only illegal but also morally wrong,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“We saw in the Book of Genesis, when Cain killed Abel, God did not strike him down. Instead, God imposed a punishment and warned that greater punishment would fall on anyone who tried to harm Cain. This teaches us that taking matters into your own hands through violence is never justified.”
Prime Minister Marape urged communities to refrain from resorting to violence, especially tribal conflicts that result in loss of life. He stressed the importance of following legal processes and reporting grievances to the police rather than taking the law into their own hands.
“The recent images from Goilala are deeply concerning. We must not allow tribal conflicts and violent retaliation to become the norm. If you feel you’ve been wronged, take the matter to the nearest police station,” he said.
“If the nearest police station lacks the capacity to respond, it must escalate the matter to a higher authority within the police hierarchy that can provide the necessary support.”
The Prime Minister acknowledged that police response times can sometimes be slow due
to capacity issues, but he reassured citizens that all reported matters will eventually be addressed.
“Even if it takes time, police will eventually get around to dealing with those who commit offences in our society. Do not lose faith in the system. Report your grievances to the police, and let the law take its course,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted that taking the law into one’s own hands only leads to more violence and prolonged disputes, which further destabilise communities.
“Taking the law into your own hands does not resolve a dispute—it creates more disputes, more conflict, and more sorrow. What we are seeing in some parts of the country are not isolated incidents of individuals committing crimes. These are tribe-on-tribe conflicts that escalate because people believe they can solve their problems through violence. This must stop,” he said.
The Prime Minister shared an example from his own electorate where a community refrained from retaliation after a tragic incident and instead worked with the police to bring the offenders to justice.
“In Karida village, after a mass killing took place, the people did not retaliate. Instead, they reported the offenders to the police. Slowly but surely, the police have been tracking down those responsible, and justice is being served. This is the approach we must take as a nation—trust the process and let the police do their work,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Prime Minister Marape issued a strong appeal to all Papua New Guineans to report crimes
to the police and allow the justice system to handle grievances.
“If someone offends you, report the matter to the police. If the nearest police station cannot help you, escalate it to the next reporting station. Keep pushing for police support, but never resort to violence. Killing another person or another group will not solve your problem—it will only create more grief and suffering,” he said.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies and said his government remains committed to improving police capacity and response times to better serve communities across the country.
“We know that our police force needs more resources and support to respond faster and more effectively. My government is committed to strengthening our police force, but in the meantime, I urge all citizens to remain patient and trust that justice will be served,” he said.
As Papua New Guinea approaches its 50th Independence Anniversary, Prime Minister Marape called on all citizens to reflect on the values of peace, respect, and unity that have held the nation together for five decades.
“Our nation is preparing to celebrate 50 years of independence. Let us not taint this milestone with violence and bloodshed. Let us recommit to building a more peaceful and united Papua New Guinea,” he said.
“Violence will not build our country. Unity, respect for the law, and a commitment to peace will.”
The Prime Minister concluded by reminding citizens that life is precious and sacred, and every effort must be made to protect it.
“We must reject violence in all its forms. Let us follow the teachings of our Christian faith and the laws of our country. Report crimes to the police, trust the process, and know that justice will come in time. Life is a gift from God—no one has the right to take it away,” he said.
