Schools in Nicosia district face minor incidents at start of academic year

On the morning of September 7, 2026, minor incidents occurred at three schools in the Nicosia district as students gathered to mark the start of the new academic year. Reports indicate that small fires were ignited in trash cans and on tires located either within school premises or in the immediate vicinity. Additionally, residents reported the use of fireworks near the area of Engomi during the early morning hours, which contributed to local disturbances.

The Cyprus Police implemented a nationwide action plan following consultations with the Ministry of Education to prevent students from occupying school grounds overnight, a practice historically associated with student pranks. Police spokesperson Byron Byronos confirmed that authorities successfully intervened to stop unauthorized access to schools, with only three minor fire incidents recorded in Nicosia. Loizos Konstantinou, President of the Federation of Secondary Education Parents, noted that while some students spent the night in nearby areas or private locations, the school year began smoothly for 46,430 students across the country.

Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the fires and the firework displays. The Minister of Education conducted site visits to various high schools to ensure that safety measures were effective and to oversee a stable start to the term.