Western Highlands, Papua New Guinea – Classes at Paglum Adventist Secondary School in Western Highlands Province have been suspended for one week following a violent clash between student factions that left 16 students injured and resulted in the attempted destruction of a school dormitory.
According to reports, two Grade 12 male students are currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Mt Hagen Specialist Hospital after sustaining serious injuries during the altercation. A total of sixteen students were reportedly injured in the incident.
The violence escalated when a Grade 12 boys’ dormitory was allegedly set on fire by a student. The suspect has since been arrested by Mt Hagen police.
Western Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Superintendent John Sagom, confirmed that students were safely evacuated from the dormitory before the fire could cause significant damage to the building.
Following the incident, students were relocated to Queens Park in Mt Hagen, where they were addressed by local leaders and authorities.
Leaders Condemn Violence
Mul-Baiyer MP Jacob Maki expressed disappointment over the incident, describing it as unacceptable, particularly at one of the province’s oldest and most respected educational institutions.
Maki said students come to Paglum Adventist Secondary School from all parts of Papua New Guinea, and their safety and security must be protected. He also called on nearby communities to respect the school and its students and pledged support for repairs to damaged facilities.
Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa also condemned the violence, stressing that schools are places for learning, not fighting.
Rapa said parents send their children to school to receive an education, not to engage in violence. He acknowledged reports that some members of the local community may have been involved and stated that police would investigate the matter thoroughly.
Investigation Underway
School authorities have suspended classes for one week to allow investigations into the causes of the fight and to restore order on campus.
The incident has raised concerns about student safety and discipline in schools, with education stakeholders calling for stronger measures to prevent violence in learning institutions across the country.