The authorities in the United Kingdom have reopened an investigation into the unfortunate death of some Afrobeat enthusiasts at a concert by Nigerian superstar Asake.
On December 15, 2022, the ‘Lonely At The Top’ crooner’s concert at the O2 Brixton Academy in the United Kingdom was marred by the deaths of a 33-year-old mother-of-two, Rebecca Ikumelo, and security worker Gaby Hutchinson, 23. Both were killed when ticketless fans tried to force their way into a concert, resulting in a stampede.
According to the Evening Standard, a 22-year-old female victim remains in hospital in a severe state a year after the sad event.
As a result, the police released images of 13 individuals they sought to identify in connection with the deadly crush in its efforts to solve the tragic incident at the O2 Academy Brixton a year ago.
Detective Chief Inspector Nigel Penney emphasized the ongoing focus on unravelling the details surrounding the incident and expressed gratitude for the support received thus far. He urged the identified individuals to come forward, highlighting their potential possession of crucial information.
Penney said, “We remain focused on establishing exactly what happened that tragic evening, how Rebecca and Gaby came to lose their lives and why a young woman remains in hospital in a very serious condition a year later.
“We owe it to the families who have been left heartbroken and with many unanswered questions to establish the truth about what happened to their loved ones and continue to follow the evidence where it takes us – without fear or favour.
“There were thousands of people at the venue that evening, and today I am releasing images of 13 I would like to speak to as I believe they have vital information. I urge them to get in touch as soon as possible.”
As the first anniversary approached, the families of the victims gathered at New Scotland Yard to remember their loved ones and appeal for information.
Anthony, Ms. Ikumelo’s father, described Rebecca as a caring individual, urging those with information to step forward. Kelsey, Ms. Hutchinson’s sister, emphasized the impact on their lives and the need for answers, stating, “No one should ever go to work and not come home.”
DCI Penney further urged attendees of the Asake concert to share any footage they may have, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in bringing closure to the heartbroken families. The police remain committed to following the evidence and establishing the truth about that tragic evening.
Recall that Asake, during another concert at the popular O2 Arena in London in August 2023, paid tributes to victims killed during the stampede with a poem written and read by performance artist Aina More.
The tribute which opened with a two-and-a-half-minute video featured clips of footage from the night of the crush.
Addressing the 20,000 crowd, More urged Asake fans to contact the police if they have information about what happened.
“The Met Police want to hear what you have heard, so if you have the word any info that helps justice be served, please get in touch,” she said.
Asake has since gone on to become one of the most sought-after Nigerian artists of his time. He recently bagged his Grammy nomination debut in a newly created category, Best African Music Performance with his song ‘Amapiano’, a collaboration with iconic rapper, Olamide, ahead of the 66th Grammy Awards which will be held on February 4, 2024, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.