The families, who say they are afraid to go back to their village and fear more violence, have been receiving basic government assistance.

The decision to house the displaced people at the police station came after families requested safe refuge from police. 

Luis da Silva, the Commander of National Police in Liquiçá said the families had been staying in the police residence, but insisted the situation was “temporary.”

He confirmed that 12 people had been arrested and one person imprisoned in connection with the riot, and that the situation in Loerema was now “calm”. Police officers were permenanrly patrolling the village.

Police Commissioner, Faustino da Costa, said authorities were concerned that children staying at the compound had not been attending school, citing loss of uniform and school equipment in the fire.

Costa said police were working with authorities to ensure the families felt safe and could return to their village.