Schools in the vicinity of Spanish Town have closed their doors following the flareup of violence that started on Wednesday and escalated with the death of the reputed leader of the One Order gang Othneil ‘Thickman’ Lobban last night.

It is reported that Lobban was killed by members of the Joint Anti-Gang Task Force (JAGTF) at Six Miles in St Andrew at about 10:30 pm.

Our Today received an email sent by the acting principal of St Jago High dismissing school at 9:00 am.

“We have assessed the situation and we have decided that school will be dismissed at 9:00 am today. Please make arrangements where possible concerning pick-up for your child,” said the email. “We will be giving instructions to the students and staff members before they leave. Additionally, by 11:00 am further information will be given concerning school for today and tomorrow.”

The school later communicated that classes for Friday will be held online.

Along with St Jago, Our Today has learnt that Innswood High and Jonathan Grant have also called parents to pick up their children early.

But there is another issue, as some children were left stranded as bus and taxi operators withdrew their services out of fear for their own lives despite reports from the forces that the situation is under control.