Evacuation for Morobe and transiting UOG students underway

A major evacuation operation is underway this morning to rescue Morobe students and others transiting through Lae from the University of Goroka [UOG], following the indefinite suspension of classes after violent clashes between students and the local community.

The operation, coordinated by Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, in partnership with the Morobe Provincial Administration, has seen 20 PMV buses and four police SRU units dispatched from Lae in the early hours of the morning.

Provincial Administrator Max Bruten said the decision was made after urgent consultations with the UOG Senate late last night, soon after the university formally terminated the 2025 academic year.

The operation is being carried out in close collaboration with Assistant Commissioner of Police [Northern Command] Peter Guinness and Lae Metropolitan Commander Chief Superintendent Chris Kunyanban.

Rosso confirmed that Lae police will also escort students from other provinces who will be transiting through Lae on their way home.

“We are making sure our Morobe students and others returning through Lae are safe,” Rosso said. “Lae stands ready to accommodate and feed them until their provincial governments organize transport home.”

Arrangements have already been made with Lae Secondary School and Bugandi Secondary School to provide temporary accommodation, while food rations will be supplied for the stranded students.

The evacuation team is expected to arrive in Goroka by 10am today to begin repatriating students.