By Nelson Manneh
A brazen armed robbery at El-Hella shop on Hegan Street has sparked renewed concerns over security in the capital, with business owners calling on authorities to take stronger measures to curb crime.
The Gambia Police Force confirmed the incident, which took place on the night of Saturday, February 8, 2025. According to a police statement, two suspects—one masked and the other unmasked—entered the shop, brandished a pistol, and made off with a substantial sum of money.
When this reporter visited the scene on Sunday, the shop remained closed. The usually bustling street was unusually quiet, with only a handful of businesses open.
Witnesses Describe Chaos
Abubacarr Ngum, a truck driver parked near El-Hella at the time, said he was asleep in his vehicle when the incident occurred.
“I woke up to people shouting,” he recalled. “When I stepped out, I saw a crowd running toward the shop. I was told that armed men had robbed it.”
Ngum expressed concern over what he described as a rise in armed robberies in the country.
“This is happening too often,” he said. “The government needs to strengthen security.”
Maimuna Njie, a fruit vendor who sells near the shop, echoed similar fears.
“This shows how unsafe our country has become,” she said. “It’s a serious threat, especially for business owners. We keep hearing about robberies, but this one was shocking because it happened in the early morning.”
Njie, who lives nearby, said she was at home when she heard shouts for help.
“People were running in all directions,” she said. “These robbers came, did whatever they wanted, and left without being caught. It shows how weak our security is.”
Police Investigation
The police have launched an investigation into the incident. In a statement, Public Relations Officer Cadet Assistant Superintendent Modou Musa Sisawo said CCTV footage showed the suspects arriving in an ash-colored BMW with no license plate.
“The footage captures the suspects entering the shop, brandishing a pistol, and threatening those inside before making away with D1,245,000.00 and 1,650,000.00 CFA,” Sisawo said.
The suspects fled in the same vehicle, and authorities are asking the public for assistance in identifying them.
“Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to report to the nearest police station or call 9968885,” Sisawo added.
At press time, attempts to reach the police spokesperson for further updates were unsuccessful. Foroyaa will continue to monitor developments.
