INTERVIEW: How did a tribal dispute lead to at least 64 deaths in PNG's remote Highlands?

Tanya Nugent in PNG (SBS).png

Tanya Nugent in PNG Source: SBS News

At least 64 people have died in an ambush in Papua New Guinea's remote Highlands region. Police say the victims were shot dead during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend. It's an area which has long struggled with violence, but these killings are believed to be the worst in years. An influx of illegal firearms have made clashes more deadly and fuelled a cycle of violence. Police started collecting bodies at the scene near the town of Wabag - roughly 600km northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Journalist Tanya Nugent is working in PNG and is in the province. She spoke to SBS's Janice Petersen.


Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with


Share