The township of Tari in the Papua New Guinea Southern Highlands Province, is under siege by a self-styled tribal army.
The Post Courier reports that the so calledf Hela Force is in control of Tari and that locals are fearful of it.
The peace and good order committe chairman for the region, Matthew Mapiria, says the Hela Force members are dressed in military fatigues and roam the streets of nearby Mendi fully armed.
Southern Highlands police say they are not aware of the force but they have had reports of violence in the area.
One Tari local, Ray Paul, says the situation has worsened since the end of polling.
He says schools have been destroyed and bridges in the township damaged.