ON the eve of year 12 mock examinations, the Administration building of Kimbe Secondary School in West New Britain was burnt to ashes.
Students and staff and woke up in shock this morning.
Seven arson suspects have been arrested by police and are currently held at the Kimbe Police Station cells.
According to a source in Kimbe, the seven were rounded up by police following eyewitness reports of arson in the early hours of this morning.
From reports, the main school administration building was set alight by the suspects. The fire started at the administration kitchen then extended quickly and engulfed the whole building.
“The whole administration block is down to ashes,” said the Chairman of the School Board Management Steven Raphael. I can’t understand why anybody would go out and deliberately do this. It’s the nerve system of the school. That is where all the record of the school is kept. Records for students, staff and school,” said Raphael.
The suspects also lit fire at a nearby Grade 10 classroom but boarding students managed to put it off.
The fire truck was called but was too late. Firemen attempted to stop and control the fire but couldn’t. The help of the second fire truck only managed to extinguish fire and stop it from spreading.
Authorities are now establishing the reason why such act of arson is committed.
A female student said its shocking. “We now very concern that important documents are gone. Exams are nearing and we are not sure how the school administration will decide on”, said a student.
This morning Kimbe Secondary School Principal George Areng and the Board Chairman addressed students during assembly. He expressed sadness over the incident but encouraged students to maintain focus. Areng reiterated that authorities will ensure those involved are dealt by the law.
Principal Areng also confirmed that the Grade 12 Mock Exam will proceed.
Meanwhile the student body demanded the school administration to stage a peaceful protest in Town today but were discouraged. Chairman Raphael appeal for peace stating it’s an unfortunate incident.
He said the Board will work with Police to ensure justice hails.
“Staging a protest is not right now, there is counting (2022 NGE in town and opportunist might stir riot,” added Mr. Raphael.
I’m hoping this is not election related. We are a school. What do we have to do with the election? Its shows that there is a sick society of humans out there taking out their frustration on an institution like,” said Chairman Raphael.
Police have begun investigations into this matter.