THE FAMILY OF Abraham Badru, who was murdered in Hackney last weekend, have paid tribute to their son and brother, saying they are “beyond heartbroken” and urging the public to help find his killer. His family has issued the following statement.
“We are beyond heartbroken, filled with emptiness as we put together our feelings on our greatest loss. A bright light, Abraham Oluwatosin Dolapo Badru, was put out by the hands of an evil person on Sunday night. His mother’s only child, the pillar of her existence and the first of his father’s two children. He was the best son any parent could ever pray to have and a very loving and protective brother; he was humble, conscientious, respectful, kind and exuberated love and confidence.
“Abraham was goal-driven, a very ambitious, hard-working young man who also dedicated his time, skills and talent to different charities for different causes. He was studious and worked extremely hard to earn a BSc in Sport Science and a MSc in Professional Practice in Sports Coaching at University of Gloucestershire, he was aspiring to also have a PhD under his belt. He was an upstanding individual who advocated unity and peace in his community and to those that surrounded him.
“Abraham was truly one of a kind, he was his mother’s world, equally he cherished her and cared for her in every way he could. They were best friends, he was an absolute joy who never stopped smiling, a smile that would melt hearts, always willing to help everyone he came across. He was always striving to improve his life and the lives of those he cared for. He was a highly dependable son and friend, and honesty was second nature.
“Abraham was a very brave young man, he was the second to receive a Binney Memorial Award for his bravery and a Police Public Bravery Award, both issued by the police at a ceremony in Manchester on 8th July 2009. He helped the police in convicting some boys who had raped a teenage girl on their estate by being a witness in court. Notwithstanding all the threats he received, he was bold and strong enough to do the right thing and make sure justice was served. He did his best and what was right in all circumstances.
“Abraham had a zest for life, he was passionate about football and fashion, he enjoyed travelling, exploring and experiencing different cultures. He was generous to a fault, a very sociable individual.
“Abraham hated confrontation, he has never been involved in any fight be it physical or verbal, not to talk of being involved in a gang or condoning gang violence. An avid church-goer, a God fearing young man, this is why it’s hard to comprehend why anyone would want to hurt him and cause a void that could never be replaced or recreated, why would anyone lurk and wait to carry out such a brutal attack? He steered clear from trouble, loved life too much to risk it in any way. He just wanted to be happy and continue to make his parents happy and his loved ones.
“There is absolutely no reason for any kind of violence, it causes more pain than resolution, the gun culture is becoming rampant in our community and we all need to come together and put a stop to it. How many more families will be ripped apart with this senseless and callous crime? We would like anyone who has any information that could possibly help to reprimand and possibly convict the perpetrator to please come forward, please search your conscience and imagine being in our shoes. We all feel empty and helpless, it would bring some sort of resolution if we can have Justice for Abraham Badru as he wouldn’t hesitate to help anyone in need when he knows he can help.
“We really have to stop and think – when will we stop the innocents from being taken off our streets, why do we allow other people to play God? It’s all fine until it happens close to home and if we don’t put an end to it now, that will be the eventual reality, a lot of innocent souls taken suddenly and occasionally. We urge someone, anyone to come forward with information be it minute. We’ve all come together to talk about how much joy Abraham brought to our lives and the least we can do is ensure his life and death won’t be in vain.
“You were such a beautiful soul AB. All you ever wanted was just to live that beautiful life just like every normal person which you did. You will always be loved. Forever in our heads AB.”
•Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact the incident room on 020-8785 8099 or via 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111, where you can give information anonymously.
•Read more about this story: Hackney man dies in mystery shooting
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