Tragic Death of Nurse Highlights Rising Violence Against Migrant Workers in Newry
The tragic death of Anu Okusanya, a nurse who collapsed and died after fleeing from a gang of thugs in Newry, has cast intense scrutiny on the escalating violence against migrant workers in the area and the apparent inaction of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Anu’s death is not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on migrant workers, particularly those employed in care homes, which have become alarmingly frequent.
Anu Okusanya, who had only been in the country for 15 months, was a dedicated and selfless nurse at Ashgrove Nursing Home. On Sunday, August 24, she was walking home to Damolly Village when she witnessed a gang of young boys, who had previously attacked her twice, assaulting another individual. Fearing for her life, Anu ran to a friend’s house to call the police. Despite the police arriving within minutes, Anu, who was asthmatic, collapsed from the exertion and suffered multiple cardiac arrests. She was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital and later transferred to Craigavon, where she remained on life support until her death on Wednesday evening.
Anu’s brother, Gbenga, has expressed his frustration and grief, highlighting the failure of the police to act on previous reports of attacks against his sister. He revealed that Anu had been subjected to harassment and violence on multiple occasions, including an incident where a liquid was poured on her, causing her to fear it was acid. Despite these attacks being reported, no significant action was taken by the authorities to protect her or bring the perpetrators to justice.
The community’s response to Anu’s death has been one of sorrow and outrage. It is widely known who the attackers are, yet there seems to be a reluctance or inability to hold them accountable. Gbenga mentioned that even though the police might lack concrete evidence, the community’s awareness and the repeated nature of these attacks should have prompted more decisive action. The lack of response from the police has led to a sense of impunity among the attackers, who continue to terrorise migrant workers without fear of repercussions.
This tragic incident raises critical questions about the effectiveness of the PSNI in protecting vulnerable communities and addressing hate crimes. The repeated attacks on migrant workers, particularly those in care homes, suggest a systemic issue that requires urgent attention. The failure to act not only endangers the lives of these workers but also undermines the trust in law enforcement agencies.
The broader implications of Anu’s death are profound. It highlights the need for a more robust and proactive approach to tackling hate crimes and protecting migrant workers. This includes better community policing, more effective use of evidence, and a commitment to holding perpetrators accountable. The PSNI must also work to rebuild trust within the community, ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, feel safe and protected.
Anu Okusanya’s death is the awful reality of the human cost of inaction. Her dedication to her work and her selflessness in trying to help others, even in her final moments, stand in sharp contrast to the failure of the authorities to protect her. As her family and friends prepare to lay her to rest, there is a collective call for justice and a demand for change. The perpetrators and their families need to understand the gravity of their actions and the devastating impact they have had. It is imperative that the PSNI and the wider community come together to ensure that such a tragedy never happens again.
Her funeral takes place in Chapel of Ease Monkshill on Saturday, September 14 at 1pm, burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.
A funeral notice said she was “dearly missed by her loving son Olaitan, brothers Gbenga, Soji and Tolu, sister Lola and all of her colleagues and friends in Ashgrove Nursing Home”.
If you are experiencing harassment, violence or any form of intimidation please contact PSNI or call 999
