Dublin: The family of 21-year-old Qayyum Balogun has called for justice and answers following his death after a violent attack in Dublin city centre earlier this week.
Qayyum was found critically injured on Clarendon Street, near Grafton Street, at approximately 3 a.m. on Monday. He was rushed to St James’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. An investigation by An Garda Síochána is ongoing.
Family Devastated by Tragic Loss
Qayyum’s mother, Teslimot Balogun, described the tragedy as devastating for the family. She said her son was born in Ireland and that the family had lived in Dundalk for more than 20 years.
“He was my first child,” she said, recalling the shock of learning about his death in the early hours of Monday morning.
Family members described Qayyum as a kind, respectful and peaceful young man who rarely got involved in conflict. His stepmother, Loveth Patrick, said he was known for his calm nature and friendly personality.
“We do not know why this attack happened. We need to know what led to it. We need justice for Qayyum,” she said.
She also expressed concern about false claims circulating online suggesting that Qayyum had links to criminal gangs, insisting that such allegations were entirely untrue.
Student and Employee Remembered Fondly
Qayyum was employed at a nearby Burger King restaurant while pursuing a degree in computer science at Maynooth University. Prior to that, he studied business and computing in Dundalk and continued his education through further education programmes.
Former teachers and educators have paid tribute to him, describing him as a hardworking and ambitious young man with a bright future ahead of him.
Padraig McGovern, principal of Fiach College, said Qayyum excelled in both his Leaving Certificate and further education studies.
“He was a purposeful and honourable young man. He was a credit to his family, his school and his community,” McGovern said.
The principal said news of Qayyum’s death had deeply affected students, staff and the wider community.
“We were preparing for school examinations when we learned of what had happened. Everyone was shocked and struggling to believe it. We still cannot understand how such a tragedy occurred,” he said.
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