No Solomon Islands Government (SIG)-sponsored students are currently studying at the University of Goroka (UOG) in the Eastern Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea (PNG).
This was confirmed by Solomon Islands High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency William Soaki, following violent clashes between students and villagers near the university’s back gate at Ato Market on Sunday.
The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) reported that 51 people, including 47 UOG students and a police officer, were injured in the confrontation.
Acting Hospital Manager of the Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital, Dr. Shirley ToMangana, confirmed the figures in a media statement on Monday, stating that the hospital’s emergency department received 51 casualties — 47 students, three locals, and one police officer.
High Commissioner Soaki said the embassy is liaising with the university to verify whether there might be any privately sponsored Solomon Islands students.
“Otherwise, based on our records, there is none,” he said.
According to Post-Courier, the Western Highlands Provincial Government has made a quick intervention to assist about 700 students from the province who were affected by the violence.
Sources said the fight was triggered by an incident on Saturday near Apo Market when locals attempted to rob a university student.
Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent John Kale, has urged all UOG students residing in nearby villages to return to campus immediately as tensions remain high.
PPC Kale said the confrontation began on Saturday evening around 6 p.m., when a group of intoxicated individuals from Ato Market allegedly harassed and assaulted a UOG student on his way to an end-of-year event.
“The student later returned with friends, leading to a fight that was temporarily stopped by heavy rain but resumed the next morning,” Kale said.
He confirmed that two police officers were also injured while trying to control the situation. However, police were initially outnumbered as many officers were deployed for Local Level Government (LLG) elections and operations in Kainantu.
Reinforcements from Kundiawa and Mt Hagen, including a Mobile Squad, have since arrived in Goroka to help restore order.
“We’re calling for calm from both sides while investigations continue,” Kale said.
The National reported that this is the fourth clash this year between UOG students and nearby settlers.
Dr. ToMangana has urged the public to remain calm and make wise decisions as the festive season approaches to avoid preventable harm and additional pressure on emergency services.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
