Wednesday March 6, 2024
Lørenskog shooting incident sheds light on community issues
The body of the deceased was carried out on Friday evening. Photo: Hallgeir Vågenes / VG
Oslo (HOL) - In Lørenskog, Norway, 26-year-old Ahmed Saeed Musa has been detained after being accused of fatally injuring his brother in their home last Friday, authorities reported. The incident, which took place while their parents were abroad – their mother in Dubai and their father in England – has led to Musa facing a four-week remanded custody period. The family's ordeal has captured national attention, although police have yet to release comprehensive details.
The city police, upon arrival at the scene, discovered a bullet in the victim and have since seized the weapon believed to be involved.
In an emotional interview with the BBC, the boys' father, Saeed Musa Murase, expressed his incomprehensible pain and confusion over how his son obtained the firearm.
"Everyone can understand the pain of a parent. I am a person of faith, and I am trying to be patient," he said, his voice filled with sadness.
Despite his grief, he affirmed his faith and patience, remembering his sons as good individuals, with the victim, Mohamed, being a vital support to the family.
Mayor Amine Mabel of Lørenskog , who has lived in the community for over 20 years, voiced her deep sorrow over the incident, extending her condolences to the bereaved family and friends. "The entire situation is incredibly tragic. My heart goes out to the family and friends of those involved," said Andersen to VG on Saturday afternoon. She described the housing association as exceptionally quiet and stable, with a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. Andersen mentioned her three children have grown up in this area without her ever worrying about their safety.
Investigators carted the deceased man away. Photo: Hallgeir Vågenes/VG
The case has highlighted broader issues faced by the Somali diaspora in Norway, as underscored by Omar Abdi Afey, a former journalist and observer of Somali affairs who pointed to increased violent incidents among Somali youth. "The increasing incidents in Somalia are driven by unemployment among young people who have dropped out of school," says Afey. "Most Somali parents here [in the diaspora] provide their children with food, clothing, and a place to live; however, they do not monitor their children's well-being. As a result, when oversight is lacking, these children can be exploited by individuals involved in criminal activities."
Omar also believes that the migration of Somali families, the disruption of children's education due to moving between countries, and the lack of awareness about the company the children keep play significant roles in the increase of Somali-related crimes in Norway, which has been among the least troubled of the Somali community in the diaspora in the past years.
Previously, Musa had legal troubles stemming from a minor traffic infraction after he left the traffic accident scene last fall; his father dismissed the charges as insignificant due to his youth. He also received a sentence for significant insurance fraud, which included jail time. The community and family now grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event, seeking answers and comfort amid loss.