PNG school dispute turns to riot, three houses burned

A secondary school in Papua New Guinea's Morobe province has been suspended after student council elections took a violent turn, resulting in three houses being burned down.

The school's deputy principal, Sabani Amjuye, said a candidate stepped down because insulting comments were written on his poster.

His supporters then started a riot, which involved bows and arrows, sticks, stones and knives, that lasted an entire day.

Mr Amjuye said school facilities were damaged, and three staff houses were razed - a fire in the boys' dormitory managed to be put out.

He said the decision was made to suspend classes indefinitely because of lingering tension.