A total of 18 tribesmen from the Yakuman tribe including their leader Danny Katie have been detained by security forces this morning for breaching the National Court sanctioned Peace Agreement signed last week in Port Moresby.
The 18 tribesmen were transported to Baisu by members of the security force where they will be formally arrested and charged.
Their leader Danny Katie, who is a signatory to the peace agreement was locked up at the Wabag police station and later released.
The Peace Agreement called on the two warring tribes of Yangukun and Yakuman to a ceasefire and gave them seven ( 7 ) days to lay down arms for peace negotiations to prevail.
Their seven days ceasefire ended today and their leaders Minister Miki Kaeok and Danny Katie appeared before Justice Graham Ellis this morning in Wabag.
Peace Negotiators led by a/ACP Western End Joseph Tondop informed Justice Ellis of violations of the ceasefire. Justice Ellis wasted no time and issued immediate orders today for the swift arrest and detainment of those who violated the ceasefire agreement.
The Peace Accord requested the two warring tribes to lay down arms for peace negotiations to prevail.
Both tribes agreed to surrender suspects by this Friday and unfortunately only Yangukun tribe handed over their suspects while Yakuman failed. This lead to Justice Ellis giving orders for the arrest and detainment of those who breach the agreement.
Yakuman tribesmen defied the ceasefire order and surrendering of their suspects and launched an attack on the neighbouring Itoken tribe this morning.
Security forces on the ground with reinforcements from Mendi led by Commander Wagambi intercepted the Yakuman warlords and requested their immediate withdrawal from the battlefields.
Meanwhile Mobile Squad MS 15 arrived from Bulolo this morning to assist ground forces in Wapenamanda to closely monitor the situation in Wapenamanda.
End.
Ammunitions confiscated by members of the security forces from the Special Operations in Mendi