A primary school in East New Britain (ENB) will stay closed following the death of a man last week, The National reports.
The Nangananga Primary School in Raluana, Kokopo, will stay closed until further notice.
Elizabeth Lucas, Livuan ward councilor said the action was supported by the people for the safety of the students. She said the situation was tense after the death and there was uncertainty as to what would happen.
Parents have been informed already not to allow their children to go to school until further notice.
Elizabeth Lucas, Livuan ward councilor
Lucas said the school was centrally located and had students from other wards like Ralalar, Talakua, Kunakunai, Turagunan and Vunamurmur. She said they are innocent and it was important for their safety to suspend classes until the situation returns to normal.
According to reports, youths from Vunaulul tried to burn down the school last Saturday at 4:30pm but were prevented by youths from Livuan.
The reason for the attempted arson is yet to be established but Lucas has called on the youths to allow the police to deal with the issue and not resort to violence.
Meanwhile, the provincial education advisor, Allan Mararang could not comment as he had not been briefed on the situation.