It is true that there has been an attack on workers who were constructing a bridge in Pingki area.Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Commander of the Military District 1715, Lt. Col Christian Irreuw, confirmed a report that unidentified gunmen shot dead five civilians near Wit river in Pingki area, Yahukimo district, Papua province on Thursday.
One of the victims was identified as Pingki tribal chief Obaja, while four others were employees of PT Papua Crenoma.
"It is true that there has been an attack on workers who were constructing a bridge in Pingki area," he told ANTARA over phone on Thursday night.
Irreuw said he had not been able to visit the scene, which is far from Dekai, capital of Yakuhimo district. A joint team of military and police personnel will visit the scene on Friday to evacuate the bodies of the slain workers and the tribal chief, he informed.
Asked about how many PT Crenoma workers had fallen victim to the attack, he said he did not have the exact number.
"The joint team of military and police personnel will know exactly their number only on Friday when they go to the scene to evacuate them," he added.
Before the attack on the workers, unidentified gunmen reportedly shot at the company's dump truck in Pingki, prompting the driver to return to Kali Kuk camp on KM 47+600. (INE)
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Translator: Evarukdijati/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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