Minister of Education and Youth, Fayval Williams, has condemned the murder of nine-year-old Nikita Noel, describing it as ‘callous barbarity’.

Noel is believed to have been raped and strangled to death in Hanover.

“This brutal assault and murder of little Nikita is a sad reflection of callous barbarity that characterises elements in our society. Every child should be protected by the society as a whole. We must all be on guard to protect our children as they travel the island’s roads,” Williams said

It is reported that Noel went missing after school on Wednesday and her body was found in the Kew area of Lucea, Hanover later in the evening.

Hanover police reported on Thursday that a suspect in Noel’s murder has been caught.

READ: Suspect held in rape, murder of 10-year-old girl

It was also revealed by police that the man is known to the family.

READ: Suspect in rape, murder of 9-y-o Hanover girl known to family – Police

The education ministry says it has reached out through its Regional office to offer counselling services to Nikita’s immediate family and school community.

Nordia Edwards, Noel’s mother, told OBSERVER ONLINE that her daughter was a jovial child who did not give trouble.

“It’s dreadful. It hurt. She was very jovial, not a person who give trouble. When mi sen har gah school, she guh school and she come straight home – she nuh stop a people place nor nutten. And dis one, it hurt cause it jus close to home. Mi weak. Mi weak,” Edwards said.

READ: ‘It’s dreadful, it hurts’ – Mother of 9-y-o Hanover schoolgirl devasted after losing only daughter