ILFORD, EAST LONDON – Four men have been found guilty of the murder of two rappers who were stabbed to death and shot in a gang-related revenge attack in Ilford. Saydi Abu Sheikh, 23, and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 31, were left dead or dying in a bedroom during a five-minute revenge raid on October 25, 2022. A third man, Khalid Khalid, was shot through the head but survived, along with two others who ran or hid. It was later discovered that a fourth man had run from the back of the house when a group of attackers armed with guns had forced their way in. The survivor, Ali Sheikh, later told police that the attackers forced open the front door and fired two gunshots immediately, grazing the top of his shoulder. Minutes after the attack, a white Mitsubishi Outlander, allegedly used by the attackers and containing a small pile of clothes, was set alight in a nearby street.
The incident has shaken the local community and raised concerns about the prevalence of gang-related violence in the area. The trial shed light on the dangers facing young rappers and the impact of gang culture on their lives. The guilty verdicts bring a sense of closure to the families of the victims, but they also serve as a stark reminder of the need for greater efforts to tackle gang violence and support at-risk youth in the community. The survivors and families of the victims are now seeking justice and closure, as they grapple with the traumatic aftermath of the attack.
The incident has sparked discussions about the need for more comprehensive measures to address gang-related violence and support communities affected by these acts. The violence has left a lasting impact on the residents of Ilford, highlighting the urgent need for resources and programs to prevent future tragedies. As the community mourns the loss of the two rappers, there is hope that the convictions will bring a measure of justice and peace to those affected by the senseless violence.