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On the day when citizens of this country were celebrating the 43rd Independence Anniversary, families in Raro Village, Roviana Lagoon, were left in shock
By a concerned citizen
Criminals and thugs broke into their homes, burning them along with all their belongings and looting what remained. These families, unable to join in the celebrations, were awoken by the attack in the early hours of the morning and narrowly escaped with their lives.
The arson was carried out by followers of the so-called CFC Group A, who are either endorsed by the cult leader or senior members of the group. This act was allegedly a retaliation against Group B and its members for breaking away from Group A—a feud that began a decade ago. The perpetrators were motivated by an ideology that has shaped their behavior and attitudes. While the police have arrested some suspects, there is concern that these individuals, with their cultish mindset, may repeat such acts against other Group B members. Tensions between the groups have been escalating, with Group A frequently issuing threats and insults.
CFC Group A operates more like a cult than a legitimate religious organization. There are alarming rumors about their leader, including allegations of murder, physical abuse, and molestation of young girls under the age of 18. Victims are reportedly subjected to severe punishment, such as being tied to vehicles or canoes and dragged until they are near death. The group’s school has been closed for about 10 years, leaving children without an education. The followers are reportedly dedicated solely to serving their so-called leader and his extravagant lifestyle, holding large fundraising events that perpetuate poverty among their followers. Rumors also suggest the use of “holy water” made from deceased people’s body parts, teeth, hair, or nails—a practice reminiscent of witchcraft.
Given these serious allegations and the impact on the affected families, I call on the Commissioner of Police to establish an independent task force to investigate and hold the leaders of this movement accountable. The Prime Minister and Governor-General should intervene, considering that the government previously awarded a knighthood to the leader, which should be revoked if the movement’s practices contradict its principles and ethics.
The Charities Act should be reviewed, and a Charities Commission established to hold all churches, NGOs, and movements accountable. I also urge relevant NGOs, such as World Vision and Save the Children, to direct their resources and efforts where they are most needed. SICA and SIFGA should collaborate to create policies and guidelines to hold member churches accountable. For non-Christian groups, an interfaith council should be established to ensure accountability and provide a platform for dialogue on common issues.
The Government and Police must act swiftly. The existing laws seem inadequate, and this situation poses a national security concern. If the victims’ patience wears thin, there is a risk of an all-out conflict, potentially escalating to violence involving smuggling of arms. Immediate action is essential to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety and rights of all citizens.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CFC as an organized group. The allegations and claims made in this article have not been independently verified. Readers are encouraged to use their own judgment and discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided. The publisher is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the use of this information.
