Watch FIFA World Cup 2026™

LIVE, FREE and EXCLUSIVE starting June 12 2026

INTERVIEW: How did a tribal dispute lead to at least 64 deaths in PNG's remote Highlands?

Tanya Nugent in PNG (SBS).png

Tanya Nugent in PNG Source: SBS News

At least 64 people have died in an ambush in Papua New Guinea's remote Highlands region. Police say the victims were shot dead during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend. It's an area which has long struggled with violence, but these killings are believed to be the worst in years. An influx of illegal firearms have made clashes more deadly and fuelled a cycle of violence. Police started collecting bodies at the scene near the town of Wabag - roughly 600km northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Journalist Tanya Nugent is working in PNG and is in the province. She spoke to SBS's Janice Petersen.


Published

By Janice Petersen

Source: SBS News



Share this with family and friends


At least 64 people have died in an ambush in Papua New Guinea's remote Highlands region. Police say the victims were shot dead during a tribal dispute in the Enga province over the weekend. It's an area which has long struggled with violence, but these killings are believed to be the worst in years. An influx of illegal firearms have made clashes more deadly and fuelled a cycle of violence. Police started collecting bodies at the scene near the town of Wabag - roughly 600km northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Journalist Tanya Nugent is working in PNG and is in the province. She spoke to SBS's Janice Petersen.


Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts.


Latest podcast episodes

Get SBS News straight to your inbox

Sign up now for daily news from Australia and around the world. You can also subscribe to Insight's weekly newsletter for in-depth features and first-person stories.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Follow SBS News

Download our apps

Listen to our podcasts

Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service

Stream now

Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world