By Louise Jobe
Reliable information reaching this medium indicate that six villagers from Faraba Banta, have been arrested and detained at the Banjulunding Police Station, on Wednesday 5th and Thursday 6th December 2018, by officers of the Gambia Police Force.
The six people arrested are Pa Jobe, Teacher at the Gambia Senior Secondary School; Aja Sanyang Policewoman at Banjulunding Station; Lamin Kitim Dampha, driver at the Ministry of Finance; Aboulie Ceesay, driver at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Alieu Jarju Policeman at Barra Police Station and Bakary Jallow, a Staff of NAWEC. The first three were arrested on Wednesday whilst the last three were arrested on Thursday. All six were said to have been arrested at their work places.
The information further indicate the reason of their arrest, which is alleged to be their participation in the Faraba Banta sand mining issue between the villagers and Julakay Company, that led to the death of three villagers and damage to properties. Aja Sanyang who is amongst the people arrested, is currently admitted at the hospital.
When contacted to shed light on the issue, Police PRO Njie told this reporter that a Police panel of investigators was instituted to probe into the Faraba Banta incident, in a bid to prosecute perpetrators as recommended by the Commission’s Report; that so far, four individuals have been arrested, and were being investigated for offenses ranging from arson, wilful damage to property, riotous conduct, among others. Police PRO Njie said investigations continue and urged the general public to cooperate.
Meanwhile, reports have reached Foroyaa that those arrested have since been released on bail, at the Banjulinding Police Station in the morning of Sunday December 9th, 2018.
