A weekend night out ended in tragedy for a third-year student from the University of Goroka, in Eastern Highlands province who was killed in a suspected alcohol-fueled confrontation in Eastern Highlands Province.
In a recent statement the student, reportedly from Kompiam, had been returning home with friends from a club in Faniufa when their vehicle collided with another near Lahanis.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent John Kale said the other vehicle’s passengers pursued the student’s group to North Goroka and violently confronted them.
An object was used to hit the student in the head, causing fatal injuries. Police say the incident occurred between 10PM to 11PM on Saturday the 26th of July 2025 and have so far arrested the main suspect along with five others including three females and two males who remain in custody.
Superintendent Kale confirmed that the incident is not linked to tensions at the University of Goroka, but rather a spontaneous act of violence.
Minister of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology, Mr. Kinoka Feo issued a heartfelt statement condemning the act and offered condolences to the victim’s family and the UOG student community.
He praised the SRC for their restraint and commitment to peace during a difficult time.
“Let justice run its course. I thank also the law enforcement for acting swiftly.”