The Southern Highlands students from the University of Goroka were assured by their Deputy Provincial Administrator for Southern Highlands, Dr. Emmanuel Kumpio Andrew, that the provincial government stands firmly behind them and will provide the necessary support for their safe repatriation back to Southern Highlands.
Dr. Andrew met with the students yesterday afternoon to address the recent security incident and do risk assessment.
The students were in tears when the provincial government team, accompanied by MS-10 police personnel from Mendi, arrived at the university campus.
Dr. Andrew, representing SHP Governor William Powi and Acting Provincial Administrator David Kelma, comforted the weary students who had fought to defend their lives for more than eight hours from local villagers.
“Education is what we, as parents, sent you here to get. You are not fighters; you are our province’s pride. We are deeply sorry for this unfortunate incident,” said Dr. Andrew.
Accompanying Dr. Andrew were the Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander, the MS-10 Commander, and the Nipa Kutubu DDA CEO, all of whom had shared the same sentiments.
