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Local political representatives have condemned the circumstances surrounding the death of Anu Okusanya in Newry last week and the PSNI have said they have spoken to a family member and are arranging a meeting with them.
Anu a native of Nigeria lived at Damolly Village had ran to a neighbours house after seeing a group of young people attacking a person in the vicinity, and she subsequently died later in hospital. Anu had been attacked several times by the same people in the Damolly area in recent months according to her brother Gbenga.
Anu worked at Ashgrove Care Home and she had just finished a 12 hour shift when she witnessed the incident. Her work colleagues paid tribute on social media with one saying "You were a lady and a joy to work with.. you will be forever missed". Another added "A beautiful lady forever proud and grateful to have had the honour of working with You. Always a smile, a gentle beautiful soul RIP"
Police are not commenting on the incident until they meet with the family. In a statement to Newry.ie a PSNI spokesperson said "The Police Service of Northern Ireland would like to meet with Ms Okusanya’s family before making any further comment.
"Police have spoken, by telephone, with a family member, a meeting has been suggested and will take place at an agreeable and appropriate time."
The spokesperson concluded "It is important that we take care to establish the full facts and engage with Ms Okusanya’s family in a way that is sensitive to their grief and to the circumstances."
"Police have spoken, by telephone, with a family member, a meeting has been suggested and will take place at an agreeable and appropriate time."
The spokesperson concluded "It is important that we take care to establish the full facts and engage with Ms Okusanya’s family in a way that is sensitive to their grief and to the circumstances."
Newry and Armagh MP Dáire Hughes has expressed his sincere condolences to the family: “My first thoughts are with Anu’s loved ones as they attempt to come to terms with her tragic passing."
Mr Hughes added “It is absolutely disgusting that racist thugs in our society have instilled such a fear factor in international members of our community who have come here to live and work.
“The previous attacks on Anu were absolutely sickening, uncalled for and despicable. Diversity is something to be welcomed, to be championed and to be promoted.
“Racism is a stain on our society. There can be no justification for these acts of violence or intimidation in our community.
MLA Justin McNulty has also offered his condolences following the death of Anu Okusanya calling it shocking and disturbingly sad. Mr McNulty said "She chose to spend her life caring for others as a health worker and when she saw someone being attacked, she instinctively ran out of fear and to raise the alarm to get help for the person.
“Tragically, Anu collapsed and ultimately lost her life in the process and her family have been left to pick up the pieces, utterly devastated by their loss. My thoughts are with all of Anu’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“I cannot begin to understand how consumed by hate someone needs to be to visit violence or repeatedly target someone going about their daily business, especially someone who devoted their life to caring for others. There is great sadness right across the wider Newry area at Anu’s passing and I hope that her family can take some solace from that and the difference she made to the lives of everyone she helped.”
Sharon Loughran a resident of the area and an Aontu member added "The root of this tragedy may also lie in general anti-social behaviour in the area. We have been aware for several years of widespread anti-social activity in the general area of Damolly Village/upper Belfast Road. For example, several cars had eggs or other missiles thrown at them on the Belfast Road in recent weeks. This in itself is very dangerous. Back in January 2022 the Newry Democrat quoted residents in the area as being ‘tortured’ by a teenage gang.
"There must be zero tolerance for what may appear to be low level anti-social behaviour. It can escalate if left unchecked or induce great fear.
"The police should take all calls relating to attacks on others with great seriousness. They did respond quickly to Anu’s last call. They should now investigate the different incidents reported to them relating to Anu with a view to prosecution. This might give some small comfort to Anu’s family and justice for Anu herself. She lived her life for others unlike those who attacked her. May she rest in peace."
Anu is survived by her son Olaitan, Brothers Gbenga, Soji and Tolu and her Sister Lola. Her Funeral will take place in Chapel of Ease Monkshill on Saturday 14 September at 1.00pm with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
