KKB Member Leader Egianus Kogoya Shot Dead In Yahukimo

JAYAPURA A member of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya named Esa Giban (19) was killed in a shootout with TNI soldiers from the Battalion 641/Beruan Task Force (BRU) around the Yetni River, Kurima District, Yahukimo Regency, Papua Mountains.

"It is true, KKB subordinate Egianus Kogoya named Esa Giban was killed in a shootout that occurred on Sunday 18 May," said Head of Information for Kodam (Kapendam) XVII/Cenderawasih Colonel Infantry Chandra Kurniawan, when confirmed in Jayapura, Tuesday, May 20, quoted from ANTARA.

The armed contact occurred when the 641/BRU Task Force troops moved from Wamena to Kurima. When passing around the Yetni River, troops were suddenly intercepted by armed groups who then triggered a shootout.

"From the reports received, the ambush resulted in a shootout and resulted in one KKB member being killed on the spot," said Chandra.

Esa Giban's body has been evacuated to the Wamena Regional General Hospital (RSUD) for further identification purposes.

Currently, said Chandra, TNI troops are still on full alert to anticipate the possibility of countermeasures from the group. He also ensured that the security situation in the Kurima area and its surroundings was still under control and relatively conducive.

Kurima District is an area in Yahukimo Regency that has direct road access from Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency. This area is often a vulnerable point due to the activities of armed groups operating in the central highlands of Papua.