Dec 2, 2022, 10:13 AM | Article By: Momodou Jawo

Angry youths in Bakau yesterday vandalized the Bakau Police Station as they protested and demanded “justice, accountability and speedy investigation” into the death of one Omar Sambou, a missing taxi driver who was earlier (yesterday) found dead at the Salagi Forest.

The body, at the time of gathering the report, was at the mortuary in Banjul as investigations into the matter continue. The missing taxi driver was also a native of Bakau. The angry youth stormed the police station and demanded the police officers to hand over the suspected “murderer” who was reportedly detained at the said station.

The Point has been informed that the police have made many arrests. However, the number of arrestees was not known at the time of going to press.

Some angry youths were also seen putting tires on fire as riot PIU officers threw tear-gas to disperse them. The deceased, Omar Sambou, was reportedly missing some days back. Family members claimed the deceased went to work and never returned.

A source who is familiar with the matter and decided to speak to The Point under condition of anonymity has confirmed the incident and ensuing protest of the youth.

“The youth vandalized the entire police station including the office of the Station Officer and charge officer,” our source said.

“I couldn’t assert that documents have been tampered with, at the moment. However, the station’s diary and other documents were all found on the ground,” our source said when asked whether some documents have been tampered with.

“The youth attempted to also break the station’s padlock. However, they couldn’t break it because the padlock was strong.”

The suspect, the source went on, was in fact earlier yesterday moved to another police station within the Kanifing Municipality for safety purposes.

“The youth demanded from the police officers to hand them the suspect so they could beat him up. That’s what brought about the vandalization. The situation is now under control. The military at Fajara Barracks were called to assist the PIU officers in maintaining peace and order. However, immediately the PIU reinforcements arrived at the scene, the military officers went back to the barracks,” the source explained.

The police, through it Police Magazine, has confirmed the arrest of a suspect who is allegedly involved in the murder of the missing Bakau man.

“Following investigations into an incident of a reported missing man of Bakau, whose corpse was found in Salaji, the police have arrested and detained a suspected 46-year-old Banjulian man of Brusubi. The suspect is currently helping the Police with their investigations,” the magazine report stated. 

“While the police continue to probe into this incident, the general public is urged to exercise calm and restraint and avoid any unlawful activity.”