Morning:
9°c
Murdered boy's family begs friends: there must be no revenge killings
Benedict Moore-Bridger, Evening Standard04.03.08
The family of a schoolboy killed during a street fight have begged his friends not to carry out revenge attacks.
Ofiyke Nmezu, 16, died in North Middlesex hospital on Friday having suffered a fractured skull in the brawl two weeks ago.
It is thought he was hit over the head with a brick during the attack in Enfield.
Seven teenagers have now been killed in London this year.
After detectives launched a murder inquiry his father today insisted the teenager, known as Iyke, had never been in trouble and was a "model son".
Mannie Nmezu said: "He was a lovely boy - intelligent, with a good heart. He was never a violent person throughout his life until he died.
"I never received any complaint about my son - that he has fought anybody or had arguments with anybody. My son did not have any hate for anyone. He was a good example to others. I ask his friends not to do any revenge on his behalf. I miss him, it is terrible.The family-is devastated and the whole community. I have lost the ideal son."
More than 2,000 people spent the weekend paying their respects at the family home in Reculver Mews, Enfield.
Iyke, who attended Kingsmead School, had been studying for his GCSEs and planned to go to university.
He was a keen sportsman who loved football and supported Manchester United. His father said: "He wanted to carry on with his life. He was a good student and planned to go to university. He wanted to do a business management degree.
"The number of friends coming to pay their respects is more than I expected - it makes my mind weak. I have had around 2,000 visitors. I did not know he had so many friends."
He was attacked less than one mile from where 17-year-old Henry Bolombi was fatally stabbed by a rival gang on New Year's Day. A post-mortem examination on Sunday confirmed that Iyke had died from a fractured skull.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said she heard a number of people fighting on 15 February, when the assault took place.
She said: "I could hear them fighting. I went inside as I did not want to be caught up in it.
"He was hit on the head with a brick. That's how he died. It is terrible. I don't know how you can get them to stop killing each other."
After his death, Iyke's friends turned a street food hut owned by his family into a shrine adorned with flowers and messages of love.
One card read: "I can't believe that you are gone but you are in a better place now, Isabelle," and another, from Carolyn, read: "Things will never be the same. We will always have you in our hearts and minds. Hope to see you soon in heaven."
Other messages called Iyke a "fallen soldier", with one adding: "Someone who always made everyone laugh deserved much more than this."
One card, apparently from his sister, read: "I miss you and you are remembered forever. Lil Sis Ella."
Iyke died on the same day as 17-yearold Tung Le, from Deptford - who died in hospital after being stabbed six days earlier during a night out in the West End.
Chien Nguyen, 18, is due to face trial after being charged in connection with the attack.
Anyone with information about Iyke's death should contact Scotland Yard on 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Reader views (12)
Iyke I cant believe your gone, I remember the year before you came to my dads barbacue/birthday party. It seems like the other day. Your in a better place now, away from this violent place. You will and always will be missed and never forgotten, xxx
- K G M, Edmonton, N9
Iyke, i know ur not dead, you are jus resting in peace, i miss you iyke. You was a Top older to me, always advised me not to fight for stupidness. i love u and miss you. REST IN PEACE !
- Nino Brown, Edmonton N9
What do you think?
- Emman, Philadelphia
Your gone but never forgotten Iyke.
x
- Haner Dang., Edmonton, N9. London
Iyke rest in peace i will always remember you because you were so good. I remember the times you use to prank my phone and give me jokes, I still cant believe this, how could some one take away a good soul? I really miss you Iyke x x x
- Debbie, Tottenham
Missing you Iyke. Your just resting in peace. You will be awake soon when we are together. You shouldn't of died you are a good soldier. Have fun when you can up there and look after your family and friends. We love you loadz, love Penny xxxxxx
- Penny Raven, Enfield, UK
R.I.P Iyke:
Everyone will miss you so much. It's like you have never been gone, your not dead Iyke, your just resting and at peace where you should be. You're a 'fallen soldier'.
We love you Iyke, rest in peace.
- Ayse & Charlotte, London
Ofiyke, I know your not dead, you are just sleeping and by the time you wake up, we will all be in heaven by your side. You know how close I am to your brother and you were like a little brother to me. You didn't deserve to die and don't worry I will take care of Nigel for you. Sweet dreams.
Love Stephanie
- Stephanie, Enfield, UK
Iyke was known to make a lot of people laugh, he used to make me smile even when I was upset or angry. He will truly be missed. He was so innocent, he always advised me to watch who my friends were and never to get into any trouble. It's a shame that you're gone, maybe people will realise that violence is not the answer now that you're gone.
You're in heaven now, you're at rest, you're at peace where you should be, we shall meet again Iyke.
I know you're watching over all of us always.
Thanks for being a good friend and making me laugh you're one in a million.
- Adesola, Enfield
I still can't believe this has happened to you. For all the years I knew you ,you gave me jokes in school and you looked after me like you were my brother. I'm only going to remember the good times and not the bad times. I love you with all my heart Iyke Nmezu r.i.p xxx
- Kiesha, london
We are very sorry to hear about what happened To Iyke he Was A Good Person.
He will be missed
Let him rest in peace
God is with him.
xxxxx
- Yasmiin & Jasmiin, North London edmonton
Iyke was a really good friend that always told me to focus on school before any boys, I miss him with all my heart, he was Edmonton's funniest member. I lost a dear friend but heaven gained an angel. We all know Iykes looking down on us and he is missed and loved truly by everyone he has ever known xxxx
- R.I.P Iyke, edmonton
