By Louise Jobe
Pateh Bah, a resident of Buduk, Nianija in the Central River Region North was allegedly attacked and physically abused by one Dawda Hulay Bah of the same village resulting in Pateh sustaining injuries.
Upon receiving the information, Foroyaa got in touch with Pateh Bah. In an interview with Foroyaa, Pateh said the man came from behind and hit him with a stick on his head on Thursday, 12 September 2024. He added that the incident happened in the bush.
Pateh explained that he took his donkey to the bush and tied it to a tree for it to feed on the grass. He said he left for his farm leaving the donkey at the place he tied it. He added that Dawda H. Bah untied the donkey and called him to come for his donkey.
Pateh said he took the donkey from Dawda and tied it again. He added that the place he tied the donkey had other donkeys grazing there. Pateh said while doing this, Dawda came behind him and beat him with a stick on his head and leg.
He said he reported the matter to the Njaw Police Station and subsequently went to the hospital where he was treated.
Dawda Hulay Bah was arrested and brought to the station where he was detained. Pateh said their statements were taken and Dawda was detained afterwards. He added that Dawda was granted bail on the same day and he returned to Buduk.
A police source confirmed the incident. He said Dawda Hulay Bah was detained at the police station, but he was granted bail. He added that a file is under preparation to take the matter before a court.
“Anytime we are ready with the file the matter will be mentioned in court,” he said.
Readers will recall that Foroyaa published about Pateh Bah who reported his encounters in Buduk. Since 2022 he filed three different reports to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), but they have not yet communicated their decisions to him. He had several encounters with the Chief of Nianija and close associates.
Pateh sees all his encounters as coordinated efforts to vilify him and his family. He has been expressing fear over his personal life and that of his family, as well as his properties which are being constantly targeted.
