KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Violence Prevention Alliance (VPA) is condemning the killing of eight-year-old Shantae Skyers, who was found dead after she went missing last week and the mob killing of man in relation to the incident.

Skyers’ body was found Tuesday in bushes in Sterling Castle Heights in Red Hills, St Andrew.

The Alliance also expressed concern that such a heinous act was committed against this young and innocent child, adding that it was a reflection of the lack of value for life.

The VPA further pointed out that the society was failing to protect its young and vulnerable as too many of the nation’s children were being impacted by violence.

The organisation also commended the Ministry of Education for dispatching a trauma team to provide counseling for students and teachers at Red Hills Primary School where Skyers attended.

However, the Alliance stressed that the family of Skyers will also need grief counseling and therapy to get through this difficult period.

The VPA noted that the levels of crime and violence against the nation’s children were unacceptable.

The Alliance also denounced actions by a mob that beat and burnt a man in relation to the incident.

The VPA said, “Taking justice in your own hands is unacceptable. Allow the police to do their work and the law to take its course. We cannot descend to jungle justice.”