NUGAAL (Kaab TV) – Three students were injured after a Puntland security officer opened fire near a school in Burtinle, where standardized examinations were taking place, according to local authorities and witnesses.

The officer, who was reportedly assigned to provide security for students sitting for the Puntland certificate examinations, allegedly fired live ammunition during an incident that occurred outside the examination center.

The injured students were rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment, while conflicting reports emerged regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting.

Several witnesses said the incident began after an argument broke out between the security officer and some of the students arriving to sit for the exams. The confrontation reportedly escalated before the officer opened fire, causing panic and disrupting the examination environment.

Security forces from the Puntland Police Force in Burtinle later arrived at the scene and launched an investigation into the incident.

Authorities said officers have begun questioning witnesses and collecting information to determine exactly how the shooting occurred and whether disciplinary or legal action will be taken against the soldier involved.

The incident comes as thousands of students across Puntland State are currently sitting for standardized middle and secondary school examinations under heightened security arrangements.

Education officials and local authorities have emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and peaceful environment for students during the examination period.

The shooting sparked concern among residents and parents in Burtinle, with community members calling for accountability and stronger safeguards around schools and examination centers.

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According to the ministry, this year’s candidates include 16,068 Grade 8 students and 9,153 Grade 12 students taking exams across 161 designated examination centers throughout Puntland State.

Officials said 98 centers have been allocated for intermediate-level examinations, while 63 centers are hosting secondary school exams.

The examinations were officially launched in Garowe by Puntland’s acting president alongside senior education officials and regional administrators.

Education authorities stated that the increase in candidates reflects continued growth in school enrollment, improved access to education, and rising public confidence in Puntland’s education system.

The Puntland administration has overseen unified and standardized national examinations for more than two decades, making it one of the longest-running and most established independent examination systems in Somalia.

Passing the Grade 8 examinations is required for students to advance to secondary education, while Grade 12 students must successfully complete their exams to receive high school certificates and qualify for university admission.

The Ministry of Education said extensive preparations had been completed before the launch of the exams, including the distribution of examination materials, deployment of invigilators, and coordination with regional authorities to ensure a smooth and transparent process.

Officials also emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline, fairness, and anti-cheating measures during the examination period.

Puntland has in recent years expanded investments in the education sector through school construction projects, teacher training programs, and partnerships with international organizations supporting education development in Somalia.

Despite economic and security challenges affecting parts of the country, Puntland continues to be viewed as one of Somalia’s most organized regional education systems, with steadily increasing student participation rates in standardized examinations each year.

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