Kelyan Bokassa Killed as Gang Turf War Violence Fears Grow
The tragic death of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa raises concerns over gang violence.
Kelyan Bokassa, Woolwich, London, Gang Violence, Wildbatch, DaeJaun Campbell
Woolwich: It’s heartbreaking to hear about Kelyan Bokassa, just 14 years old, who was fatally stabbed on a bus. This happened not far from where another teen, DaeJaun Campbell, lost his life just a few months ago. It’s like a dark cloud hanging over the community.
DaeJaun’s last words were a desperate plea for his life, which is just gut-wrenching. He was attacked with a knife, and now three men are facing charges for his death. It’s a tough situation, and the area is buzzing with fear about gang violence.
Rumor has it that Eglington Road is part of the turf for a local gang called Wildbatch. Kelyan and DaeJaun were friends, and Kelyan even paid tribute to him with a shrine of flowers and candles. It’s so sad to see young lives cut short like this.
At a vigil for DaeJaun, his mom, Jodie, expressed her heartbreak, saying he won’t be the last young person to face such violence. Kelyan was also linked to Wildbatch, showing off gang signs in a music video he released recently. It’s chilling to think about how these kids get caught up in this lifestyle.
In his rap, Kelyan talked about being “the shortest shooter on my block,” which just shows how deep he was in it. The Wildbatch gang is known for its turf wars with another gang, WoolyO, and they’re fighting over control of the local drug trade.
Kelyan’s mom, Mary, shared that her son was “groomed” by gangs after running away from care. She believes it started when he was just six years old. It’s heartbreaking to think about how he felt so scared and on edge, especially in the days leading up to his death.
Just a day before Kelyan was killed, there was another stabbing nearby. An 18-year-old was attacked, and thankfully, he’s recovering now. But it’s a stark reminder of the violence that’s been plaguing the area.
According to recent police data, there have been nine knife-related murders in London involving young males this year. It’s a shocking statistic that highlights the urgent need for action.
In response to the rising violence, local police have been given more powers to conduct stop and search operations. They’re trying to get a handle on the situation, but it’s clear that the community is on edge.