KULUANDA Primary School in Tari, Hela Province, has closed following the attack on police personnel by local warlords on Tuesday, a provincial education official says. School inspector Rixson Gulai said the school located near Kupari village was the only one that was directly affected by the gun battle between the police and the warlords which left one police reservist dead and two policemen critically injured. A police barracks in the district was also attacked with four homes burnt down. Gulai said the decision was made to close the school temporarily until the situation was calm and safety could be assured.
“The school was shut down because we were concerned about the safety of the students and teachers,” he said. “The warlords are using the outside of the school premises as their battle ground to look out for and attack police and it is not safe for the students.” Gulai said other primary and secondary schools in Tari-Pori were continuing normal classes. Head teacher Heka Yote said the school had 1,190 students and 30 teachers and their safety was paramount as fighting had taken place on and near the school grounds. “I was so concerned with the welfare and safety of the students and teachers,” he said. “They could have been injured or harmed if we ignored the tense situation and continued classes.” Yote said it was safe for students to stay home for the time being as authorities dealt with the matter. He added that they were all shocked by the attack on the police personnel. “Many students and teachers were traumatised when we were caught in the middle of the gun battle,” he said. “It is good they stay at home until peace is restored and the situation is calm.” Comments are closed.
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