By Sonya Harvey

The Education Ministry has condemned the killing of two high school boys at Airy Castle Road in Stony Hill, St. Andrew, last night.

Dead are 16-year-old Niquan Whitely of Meadowbrook High and 14-year-old Jumain Henry of Oberlin High.

Both students are from Airy Castle Road.

Reports are that at about 11:15 P.M., citizens heard loud explosions and summoned the police.

Officers who responded found the teens with what appeared to be gunshot wounds to their heads.

The boys were pronounced dead at the hospital.

In a statement today, the Education Ministry expressed sadness at the tragic passing of the two students.

It said the devastating incident has sent shockwaves through the education sector and the wider community.

The ministry condemned what it called a senseless act of violence and extended condolences to the families, friends, and school communities of the teen boys.

It noted that comprehensive support is being provided to the school communities as counselling sessions are being conducted with students, staff, and the families of the deceased.

The ministry said 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 organized by the school.