Teachers threatened with cane knives, spade in Lau

The safety of civil servants has been compromised again in Lau after four male teachers were allegedly threatened with cane knives and a spade by two drunk men.

The incident reportedly occurred between 12pm and 12.15pm on February 14, 2026, in Tubou Village. This incident raises fresh concerns about the safety of educators in remote island communities.

One of the teachers, Ratu Manasa Yavala, said they were waiting at the village shed after returning from community work when the two men from a nearby village approached and allegedly threatened them.

“We were just sitting and waiting at the shed when the two men approached. Until now, we still don’t understand what we did wrong. Out of nowhere we were being threatened,” Ratu Yavala said.

He added that one of the teachers tried to flee but was caught and threatened.

“This is my sixth year of teaching, and this is the first time something like this has happened here,” he said.

Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro confirmed the ministry was aware of the incident.

He said the welfare and protection of teachers is the responsibility of school authorities.

“Controlling authorities must ensure schools provide a safe environment that allows teachers to carry out their work freely,” he said.

Mr Radrodro added that the ministry would review the report and work with school management to provide necessary support.

Police arrest

Police confirmed a formal complaint was lodged. The two suspects were arrested and are in custody at the Lakeba Police Station.

Multiple attempts to get a comment from the village headman were unsuccessful as he was hospitalised.

Roko Tui Lau, Jioji Tupou Kalounivalu, is expected to discuss the matter with the mata ni tikina (district representative).

“Once I get the information, we will conduct our investigations,” he said.

This is the second reported security incident in Lau this year. In January, a man from Ono-i-Lau was charged with sexual assault and criminal trespass for sexually harassing a nurse.

Investigations into both incidents are ongoing.