UOG clash with locals leaves 51 injured, including 47 students

51 people, including 47 University of Goroka [UOG] students and a police officer, were injured in a violent clash between students and villagers from Ato Market near the university’s back gate on Sunday.

Acting Hospital Manager of the Goroka Provincial Specialist Hospital, Dr. Shirley ToMangana, confirmed the figures in a media statement yesterday, stating the hospital’s emergency department received 51 casualties — 47 students, three locals, and one police officer.

“Four patients are under close observation in the Emergency Department, including one who required emergency surgery for a severe head injury. Fortunately, no deaths have been reported,” Dr ToMangana said.

She said the hospital conducted CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds to assess injuries and identify internal complications. A total of 43 students were discharged with soft tissue injuries, while the hospital remains on Mass Casualty Incident [MCI] alert due to the surge in cases over recent weeks.

“Our frontline healthcare workers continue to provide the best care possible under immense pressure,” Dr ToMangana said, commending her staff and the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority management for their tireless efforts.

She urged the public to remain calm and make wise decisions as the festive season approaches to avoid preventable harm and further strain on emergency services.

Eastern Highlands Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale has urged all UOG students residing in nearby villages to return to campus immediately as tensions remain high.

PPC Kale said the confrontation began on Saturday evening around 6pm, when a group of intoxicated individuals from Ato Market allegedly harassed and assaulted a UOG student on his way to an end-of-year event.

“The student later returned with friends, leading to a fight that was temporarily stopped by heavy rain but resumed the next morning,” he said.

Kale confirmed that two police officers also sustained injuries while trying to control the situation, but police were outnumbered as many officers were deployed for the Local Level Government [LLG] elections and operations in Kainantu.

He said reinforcements from Kundiawa and Mt Hagen, including a Mobile Squad, have since arrived in Goroka to assist in restoring order.

“We’re calling for calm from both sides while investigations continue,” Kale said.