UN vehicle hijacked in south Bougainville

By Aloysius Laukai

The disgruntled son of former a former Bougainville Revolutionary Army commander hijacked a UN vehicle at the weekend claiming he needed to be recognised by people in authority.

Benson Singko, son of the BRA’s second in command, the late James Singko, hijacked the white Toyota Landcruiser deployed to the newly-created Peace and Reconciliation Ministry and in the area for a peace meeting.

Benson Singko accompanied by a group of men armed with bush knives demanded the keys of the car from the UN driver. He drove the car away complaining that, as the son of one of the revolutionary founders, he was not properly recognised by those in authority.

New Dawn FM understands the meeting was set up at a remote village in order to seize the vehicle from the Peace Ministry team. They had expected a government vehicle but decided to hijack the UN vehicle instead.

The driver said that he was outnumbered by six people armed with bush knives and grass knives.

ABG President James Tanis has appealed to Benson Singko and his accomplices to return the car immediately with no conditions.

Photo: Vehicle of the type that was hijacked [Aloyius Laukai]