It was not clear if the fighting was linked to the project or the mineral projects. Several others were injured. The girls and women were attacked with axes as they returned from a vegetable garden, Potabe said. He warned the situation remained tense and there could be more violence unless police were sent to the region. There is no presence of the government in Komo area.
Violence often erupts among rival clans in the remote interior.
Potabe said government neglect was causing increased social problems and declining living standards. Regional police commander Tony Wagambie confirmed to the Post-Courier he had received information on Monday about the violence. Wagambie said police would assess the situation and send officers after the reports were verified.