KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Education is urging anyone with information on Thursday night’s fatal shooting of two high school students in Airy Castle, Stony Hill in St Andrew to come forward and assist the security forces.

At the same time, the ministry has expressed “profound sadness” at the killing of Niquan Whitely of Meadowbrook High School and Jumain Henry who attended Oberlin High.

The two were reportedly attacked and shot in the head while on their way home from school. The grizzly images were plastered on social media platforms.

“This devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the education sector and the wider community. The ministry condemns this senseless act of violence and extends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and school communities of Niquan and Jumain,” the ministry said in a statement on Friday.

It said comprehensive support is being provided to the school communities during this challenging time, with counselling sessions being conducted with students, staff, and the families of the deceased.

The ministry shared that Oberlin High has initiated home visits, to provide direct support to Jumain’s family, while Meadowbrook High has invited Niquan’s family to participate in grief counselling sessions organised by the school.

The ministry said it was fully committed to supporting both schools and the affected families. Additional counselling resources have been mobilised and deployed to assist students and staff in coping with the traumatic event.

Meanwhile, a resident of Airy Castle told Observer Online that the community has seen a steady increase in criminal activity in recent years.

“The area is tense as we don’t know why these young men who were students were killed and we don’t know if there is going to be any reprisal,” she said.