School fighting leads to student’s death

By PISAI GUMAR
A male Grade 10 student from Bumayong Secondary School in Lae was stabbed in the back and pronounced dead on arrival at the  Angau Memorial Hospital.
The incident occurred last Friday, with Grade 10 examinations starting today, followed by Grade 12s and Grade 8s.
Angau hospital accident and emergency doctor in-charge Alex Peawi said the student was 17 years old of Kabwum and Sepik parentage.
Peawi said the death was related to school fighting  last  Friday.
Peawi said another  Grade 10 student was treated and discharged following an assault.
Provincial education programme adviser Keith Jiram  was unable to comment as he was on  compassionate leave.
Lae police Metropolitan Commander Anthony Wagambie Jr said that a fight broke out at about 10am.
Wagambie said that unconfirmed reports claimed that some outsiders may have been involved as well.
“A Grade 10 male student was stabbed multiple times and was rushed to Angau hospital but unfortunately passed away and a number of students sustained injuries” he said.
Wagambie said that police were notified of the fight and had proceeded immediately to the school and dispersed the students.
He said there was a report of a suspect armed with a homemade gun and was pursued on foot by armed police but he managed to escape.
“Police are still maintaining presence at the school, ensuring all students leave school grounds as classes are suspended indefinitely,” he said.
“The issue of students fighting at Bumayong has been going on for about two months and police have been assisting the school administration to deter it.
“However, there are factions of students who refuse to have peace and ignite fights from time to time.”
Wagambie said students should understand that they were at Bumayong to be educated and not create small groups and gangs to go out fighting.
“These groups are only depriving the rights of the majority of students who want to be educated and excel in life,” he said