The incident took place at Nahai hamlet, which is located on the border between the two neighboring villages, from Thursday afternoon until midnight on Friday, Antara news agency reported.

The Seith residents reportedly started the fight after the death of one of its residents, Benjamin Maju, 30, who was stabbed in the head and back in the hamlet. Benjamin was rushed to Haulussy Hospital, Ambon, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Usman Moni, 38, another Seith resident, was also killed after being slashed on the neck with a machete.

Three people from Lima village were also killed in the clash. They were identified as Duba Selli, 60, Kaimudin Soulisa, age unknown, and Wahid Suneth, 16. Duba and Kaimudin were shot in the head while Suneth bled to death after being shot in the right thigh.

Five other residents from the two villages were wounded. A Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officer from the Maluku Police, Second Brig. Marselino Hetharia, sustain a head injury while trying to stop the clash. At least 17 houses were also set on fire in Nahai hamlet.

Ambon and Lease Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Bintang Juliana confirmed the clash, saying on Friday, "The condition has been brought under control with the help of Brimob officers."

Bintang attributed the cause of the conflict to the beating of three Seith youths by two Lima people on Monday. The dispute was thought to have been settled by noted local figures and the handing over of the two Lima people to the police for legal processing.

He expressed concern over Thursday's incident, which caused not only fatalities but also material losses. (hak/hhr)

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