Father of murdered Mohamed Abdullahi hailed as ‘incredible man’ for response to killing
Civilian award winner Aydarus Ahmed (centre) with family members Salan Abdilleh and Shukri Abdi, at a police commendation ceremony at Camden Town Hall. - Credit: Archant
A grieving father who sought to calm community tensions after his son’s murder has been lauded as an “incredible man” by Camden’s top police officer.
Mohamed Abdullahi was stabbed to death in Holloway - Credit: Archant
Aydarus Ahmed spoke out in the immediate aftermath of his student son Mohamed Abdullahi’s slaying in 2013 to soothe his Somali community amid fears revenge attacks were likely to be carried out.
He has since gone on to become an active voice in campaigns to steer young people away from gangs and knives and to improve the lives of young Somalis in Camden.
At a police commendation ceremony on Friday, acting borough commander Richard Tucker praised Mr Ahmed’s intervention at the time, saying his powerful words had helped to ensure there was no retaliation.
He described a heated community meeting which was called after 20-year-old criminology student and youth worker Mr Abdullahi, of Montpelier Grove, Kentish Town, was stabbed to death in the street in York Way, Holloway.
Det Supt Tucker said: “There was an immediate rise in tension within the Somali community and a real concern that retaliation attacks might occur.
“The meeting room was full to overflowing – the Somali community wanted answers and tensions were running high.
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“Mr Ahmed was obviously suffering the very raw death of his son in horrific circumstances, but his message to the community was exceptionally clear: he strongly appealed for calm and against any other attacks or anti-social behaviour.
“His message about community strength and cohesion was stronger than anything police could have provided.”
Mr Ahmed was the only member of the public to be honoured at the ceremony at Camden Town Hall in Judd Street, King’s Cross.
Det Supt Tucker said “this is for an incredible man – words do not do him justice” as he handed over a commendation for “overcoming adversity and commitment to the Camden community in promoting peaceful resolutions”.
Mr Abdullahi, a former Acland Burghley School pupil, was lured out of a takeaway and then stabbed to death in a case of mistaken identity on June 29, 2013.
Three men who wrongly believed he was behind a shooting two hours earlier in Torriano Avenue, Kentish Town, were convicted of murder in March this year.
After picking up his award, Mr Ahmed said it was “an emotional moment but that emotion all the time stays” and thanked police for bringing his son’s killers to justice.
He told the Ham&High: “I sincerely hope we continue to build bridges that will bring our communities closer together.”
