YOUTH DETAINED AND RELEASED

By Mustapha Jallow Information received by Foroyaa indicates that a combined group of children between the ages of 13 and 15 years based in Faji-kunda/Abuko were few weeks ago arrested, detained and later released by officers at Bundung Police Station.A source reveals that the members of the group used to move round dispersing and assaulting young people holding dances and other events such as ‘Fural’. He added that they were worried by the actions of the youth. The Alkalo of Abuko, Boto Tamba, said the youth were tormenting the neighbourhood a lot and he had to report the matter to Abuko Police Station. He reveals that some days ago the police came for them and arrested two of them and took them to the station for questioning. He added that through questioning, the police effected further arrests. He indicated that male and female members of the group were later arrested and detained for three days; that they were then taken to Bundung Police Station where they were finally released. According to information received at least four arrests were carried out by the police. When asked  what the objective of the group is , Alkalo Tamba said: “What I can understand is that the youth were trying to engage in violence which has never happened in the area, they were just tormenting the whole neighbourhood, attacking people who organize events called ‘fural’, etc. We’ve learned that their network is not limited to Fagi-kunda and Abuko but extends to Tabokoto, Tallindingkunjang and Latrikunda. Through the network they form a so-called combined team.” Some youth who were involved in the issue declined to discuss the matter. However two of the boys who were said to be involved in the issue said they were arrested by a group of Police Intervention Unit (PIU) personnel who handcuffed them and later detained them at Abuko Police Station before they were transferred to Bundung Police Station. The youth explained: “We have joined a combined team but the ‘Out-Laws’ are the most dangerous team who go round and beat up ladies who hold an event called ‘fural’ and so on.” They estimate the number of ‘Out-Law’ team members to be up to 152 comprising young boys and girls. They further said they were released at Bundung Police Station and were advised not to involve in such acts again. The spokesperson of the Police, ASP David Kujabi, when contacted on Monday said he is not aware of the issue but asked to be given an hour to find out what had happened.  Several attempts were made to get back to the PRO without success.]]>