By Mustapha Jallow
A regional deputy commissioner of immigration has on Thursday told Foroyaa that security measures have been put in place at Gunjur newly inaugurated immigration post to prevent further attack on state security agents.
The commissioner, who was speaking on condition of anonymity said the “Operation Zero Crime” unit was deployed to the said station a day after Friday-night attack, in order to provide security to officers on duty and the station. The officer added after weeks of providing them security – the unit was later withdrawn but would now constantly patrol the area both morning, afternoon, evening and night.
The commissioner further said: “We have also deployed our surveillance team (under-cover agents) on the ground.’’ Adding: “They are within the area and we are communicating with them. So any suspicious movement, the task force will be immediately informed for action.’’
According to the commissioner, the Navy, Fire and Rescue officers are under high alert, saying the officers are putting an eye on the building as well in case of any similar attack.
“Officers are not even allowing too much gathering of people within the area. Our task force patrols the place too during the night,’’ said the commissioner.
The commissioner added intelligence officers referred to secret agents, who would dress in civilian clothes are currently monitoring the situation and gathering more information on the attack and other activities in the area.
Meanwhile, during our reporter’s third visit to the station on 22nd April 2021, he noticed a check-point was mounted by Police traffic officers few metres away from the station as they check vehicles going in and out of the Gunjur beach side.
The GID spokesman Chief Superintendent Mamanding Dibba confirmed a security team is patrolling the area. He promised to get back to the reporter.
The attack was carried out barely 72hours after the inauguration of the immigration post on 7th April 2021. The men who carried out the attack were allegedly armed with single-barrel hunting guns, cutlasses, sticks and house breaking-materials.
The men numbered about 10 to 15 stomped the new station and surrounded officers on duty and assaulted them.
The armed men suddenly escaped to a village within Gunjur called Kajabang before a reinforcement team went to rescue the officers.
39 individuals were later rounded up by the task force. 8 people were arraigned before Brikama Magistrate’s Court and charged with two counts, conspiracy to commit felony and grievous bodily harm.
The eight (8) accused persons are rescheduled to appear before the same court on Wednesday, 28th April 2021, for another hearing, a regional commissioner who is familiar with the matter told Foroyaa.
