VICTIMS of an alleged arson incident that took place last month near Fote community in West Kwara’ae, Malaita province, are now sheltering under tarpaulins but still living in fear.
A spokesman Max Bobby told the Solomon Star the affected families are now living under tarpaulins.
Solomon Islands Red Cross Society provided the tarpaulins, cooking utensils and lights for the affected families.
Mr Bobby said the victims lost all their household belongings when their homes were torched by some men over an alleged sorcery claim.
He said the suspects are still roaming around freely in the community, and their presence is causing fear amongst the victims.
“Women and girls are unable to visit their food gardens since the burning incident fearing that the suspects might attack them.”
As such Mr Bobby appealed to the police to act quickly to resolve the issue and to restore peace in the area.
“Since the burning incident, the women and girls stop going to their food gardens due to fear and because the suspects are still roaming freely.”
He said the victims are only living on rice donated by a logging company currently operating in their area.
Mr Bobby thanked the Red Cross and the logging company for stepping in and helping the victims by providing tarpaulins, cooking utensils, lights and rice which kept them going.
By BIRA’AU W. SAENI
in Auki
