It is true that Bingki Village is vacant after its residents took refuge over concerns of the armed terrorist group attacking the village againJayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - No residents and construction workers were held hostage by an armed Papuan terrorist group following Wednesday’s shooting at PT Crenoma's truck in Bingki, Yahukimo, Papua, 172/PWY Military Resort Command Chief Brigadier General Izak Pangemanan confirmed.
The truck, carrying construction materials, was shot at on Wednesday evening, prompting the driver to turn back and save himself in Bingki Village, Pangemanan noted.
On Thursday, June 24, 2021, the armed terrorist group attacked Bingki and tortured four construction workers to death while they were constructing a house. Village chief Obaja Nang was also injured in the attack, he remarked.
Based on the report, local residents and workers constructing a bridge had fled their homes since June 24, 2021, shortly after the attack on Bingki, Pangemanan stated.
Some of the residents took refuge by using a motor boat and setting off on foot. Most residents, who travelled by motor boat, had arrived in Lokpon Dekai, he revealed.
“Those going on foot are still being monitored. We hope that they all would arrive in Dekai safely,” he stated.
Pangemanan noted that Bingki wore a deserted look after its residents fled over fears of another attack by the Tendius Gwijangge-led armed Papuan terrorist group.
“It is true that Bingki Village is vacant after its residents took refuge over concerns of the armed terrorist group attacking the village again,” he noted.
Commander of the Military District 1715, Lt Col Christian Irreuw, confirmed a report that unidentified gunmen had 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 the employees of PT Papua Crenoma.
"It is true that an attack was launched on workers constructing a bridge in Pingki," he informed ANTARA over the phone on Thursday night.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Evarukdijati/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
