Heartbroken Family and Supporters Gather in Kidbrooke to Pay Tribute to Teacher Killed Near Her Home
On Friday evening, over 500 people gathered in Pegler Square, Kidbrooke, London, for a candlelit vigil to remember Sabina Nessa, the primary school teacher tragically murdered while walking just minutes from her home. The event, held from 7pm, allowed the community to honour her memory and show solidarity with her grieving family.
Sabina, 28, was killed on her way to meet a friend at The Vault pub, but she never made it. The vigil was a poignant moment for those who knew her and those who were touched by her story. Those unable to attend were encouraged to light candles at home in solidarity.
Sabina’s sister, Jebina Yasmin Islam, spoke through tears at the vigil, expressing the family’s deep grief: “We have lost an amazing, caring, beautiful sister who left this world far too early. She didn’t reach her 29th birthday next month.” She continued, “Sabina loved her family. We have lost a sister, my parents have lost their daughter, and my girls have lost such a brilliant, loving auntie who dearly loved them.”
The Duchess of Cambridge expressed her sadness over Sabina’s murder, noting the loss of another innocent woman in the streets of London. Prime Minister Boris Johnson also marked the occasion, sharing a candle-lit tribute from outside Downing Street.
A large photograph of Sabina, beaming in her graduation gown, was displayed at the vigil, accompanied by heartfelt speeches from community leaders. The Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council, Denise Scott-McDonald, addressed those in attendance, encouraging them to demand change in the fight against violence towards women. “What happened to Sabina is a tragic reminder that tackling violence against women must be a top priority,” she said. “We must confront those who perpetrate violence.”
The vigil also saw prayers and a minute’s silence to remember Sabina’s life. Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasised the importance of standing together, adding, “Sabina’s death is a tragedy, and I stand with the community in Kidbrooke and all Londoners in grief and in our determination that justice is done.”
Lisa Williams, the headteacher at Rushey Green Primary School where Sabina worked, expressed the sorrow of the school community, saying, “We are taking our time to reflect on the devastating news and will be commemorating Sabina in our own way.”
Tributes continue to pour in, with floral arrangements and handwritten notes left at the spot where Sabina’s body was found. One note reads, “Miss you so much. RIP my beautiful friend,” while another reads, “She just wanted to meet her friend. She was minutes from her home. She didn’t deserve this.”
