Minister for Education, Lucas Dawa Dekena, has strongly condemned the criminal actions at Nawaeb Secondary School in Morobe and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making all schools safe and secure for students. “We will not allow criminals to bring fear into our schools. Every student has the right to feel safe and protected while they learn.” “The Department is already working with the Morobe Provincial Education Division, police, and local leaders to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice and that measures are in place to prevent a repeat of this horrific incident.” He also said that the incident at Nawaeb Secondary School was a grave violation of student safety and security. However, through the swift efforts of school leaders, provincial authorities, and law enforcement, the situation has been brought under control. The school has since resumed normal classes as this week is the assessment period, and the school will close for term two break on Friday, 20th of June 2025. Security has been increased on campus and students are being monitored closely to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, in response to the incident, the department, through the Morobe Provincial Education Division, will immediately review school security measures in the province. This review will also apply to all schools nationwide. The measures include, tighter gate access control, more police patrols during vulnerable periods and hours, stronger community partnerships to improve school safety and psychological support for affected students. On the evening of Thursday the 5th of January 2025, seventeen armed individuals, believed to be part of a criminal group, entered the Nawaeb Lutheran Secondary School grounds and attempted to steal mobile phones from the girls’ dormitory. During the confrontation, seven female students were stabbed, and two male students were hurt while trying to drive the attackers away. Two of the female students remain in critical condition at Angau Memorial Hospital, while the rest have been treated and discharged. In addition to this as well, the Secretary for Education Dr. Uke Kombra, confirmed that the attack was not linked to land disputes, neither school fees nor internal issues. “This was an act of opportunistic criminal behaviour targeting students.” Moreover, the department is urging parents, community leaders, and citizens to work together with schools to prevent such incidents and ensure schools remain safe spaces for learning and growth.