Dozens of people have been killed in tribal conflict in a remote highland region of Papua New Guinea, authorities said.
The victim was shot dead in an ambush in Enga province over the weekend.
The Highlands have long struggled with violence, but the latest killings are seen as the worst in years.The influx of illegal firearms increases the risk of conflict and fuels the cycle of violence.
Authorities initially said at least 64 people had died. However, later reports said they miscalculated and the number of casualties was reduced to 26.
Police began recovering bodies at the scene near the town of Wabag, about 600 kilometres (373 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby.
“This is by far the biggest murder case I’ve seen in Enga, and probably in the whole Highlands,” Royal Papua New Guinea Police Deputy Chief Constable George Kakas told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
“We are all devastated and mentally stressed.”
It’s really hard to understand.”Police obtained graphic video and photos from the crime scene showing bodies being loaded into a truck, media reported.
Escalating tribal conflicts over land and wealth distribution led to a three-month lockdown in Enga last July, during which police imposed a curfew and travel restrictions.
In August last year, the violence made international headlines when graphic footage of three people killed went viral online.
Governor Peter Ipatas told the ABC there were signs that fighting would break out again ahead of the ambush.
Up to 17 tribes were involved in the recent escalation, and it ultimately depended on security forces to maintain peace, he said.
“From a state perspective, we know this fighting will continue and we alerted our security forces last week to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to prevent this from happening.
General security remains a key concern for Papua New Guinea. The government declared a state of emergency last month after violent riots and looting left at least 15 people dead.
Australia is one of the country’s closest allies and said news of the killings was “deeply disturbing”.
“We are providing significant support, particularly to police training and security in Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a radio interview on Monday.