Wabag, Enga Province: The Ambai tribe is the host of Wanepap parish in the Catholic Diocese of Wabag located in Laiagam District, Enga Province.
(Key stakeholders in a group picture with the surrendered M16 rifle…Picture supplied)
St. Mary’s Inclusive High School and a new health facility are currently being constructed through the initiative and support of Chief Ombudsman Commissioner, Mr. Richard Pangen. These two new Catholic institutions aim to deliver vital services to the people of Laiagam District, one of the most volatile districts in Enga Province.
On September 29th, 2024, the Ambai tribe made history by surrendering an M16 rifle in the presence of Mr. Pangen, the Parish Priest of Wanepap, Fr. Newman Kingi, the PSC of Laiagam Police, and witnessed by the Laipyan and Kaimul tribes of Pilikami LLG. The Ambai tribe pledged to abandon tribal conflict, embrace peace and benefit from the social and spiritual services being brought to their doorstep by the Catholic Church and the government.
Christine Dominic who had been in possession of the firearm and had caused issues in the area for the past years, not only surrendered the weapon, but also committed to living a changed life.
Three weeks ago, the Ambai tribe had killed a man from the Tamagal tribe, who died instantly. The Tamagal tribe, long known for engaging in many tribal warfare in the Laiagam District chose to refrain from retaliating against the Ambai tribe to avoid further destruction and to protect the new services being established at Wanepap Catholic Parish.
Acknowledging their restraint, the Chief Ombudsman Commissioner praised the Tamagal tribe’s efforts and initiated a peace ceremony that resulted in the surrender of the automatic weapon.
Both the Commissioner and the Parish Priest commended the Ambai tribe for their actions and encouraged other communities to follow their example as firearms only bring death and destruction.
This event is one of the many successes of the Peace Advocacy campaign being carried out in Enga Province by Caritas Enga. All tribes and individuals in possession of firearms are challenged to surrender these deadly weapons so that peace can be restored and maintained in the province.
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