KKB Burns 15 Teachers' Houses and Public Health Centers and Shoots Police in Paniai Papua

The armed criminal group (KKB) has again fired on police and residents in the Baya Biru District, Paniai Regency, Papua. As many as 15 units of teachers' houses and health centers were burned by the armed group led by Lewis Kogoya.

"The attack on the police and the burning of residents' houses in the Baya Biru District were carried out by the Lewis Kogoya KKB group led by Undius Kogoya," said Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Kombes Ahmad Musthofa Kamal in Jayapura, Sunday (20/3/2022).

The incident occurred on Sunday morning (20/3) when members of the National Police from the Ndeotadi Police Post conducted patrols at location 99, location 45, and location 81 in the Baya Biru District. At around 15.30 WIT, suddenly the member on duty received a shot from the KKB.

"When the patrol members were about to return to location 99, to be precise at the incline of location 81, Bripda Zulkarnaen Sommeng received a shot from the front but it did not hit," explained Kamal.

Luckily Bripda Zulkarnaen and 3 other personnel survived the gunfire, after the four of them jumped into the ravine. Bripda Zulkarnaen Sommeng saw 2 people coming out of the bushes, then shot back while seeking shelter in the community camp.

"After surviving and taking shelter at location 81 again, 4 personnel headed to location 99 and at 20.30 WIT but were again attacked by KKB's gunfire," said Kamal.

"Even members have received information that KKB has set fire to location 45 and gunshots were heard," he added.
 
Kamal emphasized that the incident did not cause any casualties. However, 11 housing units or residents' camps at location 45 and 4 housing units at the puskesmas, as well as the teacher's housing were burned.

"Currently, Paniai Police personnel have headed to location 99 to strengthen personnel in an effort to create a security and social security situation after the shooting and burning of residents' houses is being handled by the Pania Police Criminal Investigation Unit," Kamal explained.