Aontu Express Condolences to Family and Friends of Anu Okusanya

As an Aontu representative in Newry I would like to express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Anu Okusanya who recently died in shocking circumstances in Newry.

Anu was working in a care home on the Belfast Road, looking after the sick and elderly. She had just left this great work to walk to her home in Damolly Village when she spotted a gang beating up someone. She recognised them as people who had previously attacked her. In the course of seeking help at a friend’s house she collapsed, dying several days later in hospital.

Her family report that 2 previous attacks by this group on Anu had been reported to police and they felt little had come of it. It seems likely the fear caused by these personal attacks, quite possibly worsened by understandable fear due to recent racial attacks in the North, combined to bring on her collapse and eventually her death.

All hatred of someone for the colour of their skin is deeply wrong and offensive. Full stop. Indeed hatred of anyone for being who they are, is shocking.

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.

ENDS