Amongst those dead were pregnant women and children, in one of the worst tribal clashes the country has seen.
The Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, James Marape, has expressed his sorrow over the attacks in the Hela Province, and joins calls to increase to number of police in the area, as there are currently less than 60.
The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick said:
“Papua New Guinea is our link Diocese and over the last few months they have suffered a number of terrible tragedies. Please join me in praying for our brothers and sisters Papua New Guinea during this difficult time. Please pray for; Martyr’s Memorial School in the Diocese of Port Moresby which was destroyed by fire, the people affected by the volcano eruption of Mount Ulawun near the township of Kimbe (where the diocesan office is located) in the Diocese of New Guinea Islands, the people affected by tribal massacre in the Hela province in the Diocese of Aipo Rongo”