TRAGIC CHRISTMAS NIGHT IN ILAGA: HONORARY TEACHER SHOT AT HIS STALL

Ilaga, Central Papua – A Christmas Eve that should have brought joy turned into deep sorrow in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, Central Papua. Andarias Tanda, a contractual teacher from Toraja, South Sulawesi, became the victim of a shooting by an unidentified person (UTP) at his stall on Saturday, December 24, 2024.

This tragic event occurred around 6:45 PM WIT, as Andarias was about to close his small stall on Jalan Pinggir Kampung Kimak, Ilaga District. In the peaceful atmosphere leading up to Christmas celebrations, the sound of a gunshot suddenly startled the surrounding residents.

According to eyewitness Maria, the tense situation began with the presence of two strangers seen wandering around the area. One of the men reportedly pointed a gun at Maria before disappearing into the darkness. Moments later, a gunshot rang out, ending Andarias' life.

"The perpetrator suddenly appeared and shot him in the left chest. The victim fell immediately and died on the spot," said Maria with a bitter tone, describing the heartbreaking moment.

Police soon arrived at the scene to secure the area and conduct a crime scene investigation. Andarias' body was then taken to the Ilaga General Hospital for an autopsy. However, as of this report, the motive behind the brutal shooting remains a mystery.

The incident has shaken the hearts of the people of Ilaga. Andarias was known as a dedicated teacher who devoted himself to educating children in this challenging area. Now, a night that was supposed to be spent with family has turned into a story of heartbreaking loss.

In the midst of this deep sorrow, the community hopes that the authorities will quickly uncover the perpetrator and the motive behind this incident. "We just want justice for Andarias. He was our little hero," said a local resident with teary eyes.

This tragic event serves as a reminder that even in remote areas, safety must remain a priority. The people of Ilaga can now only pray, hoping for peace to return to their land, and that Andarias Tanda receives the justice he deserves.