Student killed, buildings torched in a new turn of violence at Unitech

PHoto shows the remains of ATCDI building and Mess HallJedge  :  Photo JB Kasadimi

According to a press notice released by Vice-Chancellor Albert Schram , a student was killed and buildings set on fire at the University of Technology in Lae in a  new turn of violent attack last night.

Vice-chancellor Albert Schram said that at around 10pm a group of men armed with bush knives attacked a dormitory with a student later dying from his wounds.

“Subsequently a group of marauders set fire to various academic buildings,” Prof Schram said.

“The power supply was cut off and the telephone network went down,” he said.

Police reinforcements were deployed by around 2am but were outnumbered by attackers who were moving freely around the campus setting fire to many buildings.

In a joint effort with university security personnel, police finally dispersed the attackers using tear gas.

The campus is now sealed and students are being evacuated.

Alternative arrangements for the university to resume activities have yet to be announced.

It is not yet known what motivated the violence but it is believed to be a targeted attack.

The 4 buildings burnt down were the DODL building, ATCDI building, Mess Hall and SRC Presidents house.

Dr.Schram says they can not offer any food to the students. TESAS students therefore need to find their own way home now, because tickets can not be issued immediately. Postgraduate students can stay.

Parents and guardians who students attending the University of Technology are urged to communicate with them to find out about their safety.