By Adama Makasuba
The Gambia Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, known for its humanitarian support around the world and particularly in the country, yesterday reached out to fire victims in Talinding and Tabokoto with foodstuff like bags of rice, bags of onion, gallons of cooking oil and clothing.
The Jama’at began its food distribution in Tabokoto, where four families whose houses were burnt down to ashes received 16 bags of 20kg rice, 8 gallons of cooking oil, 4 bags of onion, 4 bags of sugar, clothes, and cash amounting to D4,000 shared among the families.
Speaking to victims in Tabokoto, Amir Baba F Trawally preached for kindness especially in Ramadan and called for unity among people in the country. “So, accept our sympathy although no life was lost here but many properties were lost and I am sending to you the sorrow and sadness of the head of the whole Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at,” he said.
Ngange Jeng, NDMA – municipal Disaster Coordinator, said Ahmadiyya is not strange when it comes to giving assistance to people in the country, especially with the Kanifing Municipality. He said the public to be judicious with their kids in the houses, adding that landlords should also wire their houses with electricity.
Ansumana Bayo, ward councillor echoed similar remark as he heaped praises on the Jama’at for its unflinching support to the country.
“The donation comes as happiness to us [victims] and we are very happy because it was very hard for us,” Kemo SM Colley, a victim in Tabokoto said.
Meanwhile, the Jamat continued their aid distribution to Talinding south fire victims, where two girls known as Fatoumatta Barry, 12, and Oumu Barry, 16, died on 17 April after their house and a nearby house caught fire, as each of the two families received12 bags of rice, 3 bags of onion, 6 gallons of cooking oil, 3 bags of sugar, clothes, and a cash amount of D3,000 also shared among the families.
“So, on behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia and worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, the head is sending his sympathy and condolence to you all,” Amir Baba F Trawally said at the handing over ceremony as he led in sending condolences on behalf of the entire Ahmadiyya to the family of the decease
He said the “victims are our neighbours” and “we felt to share the pain and we are together to see whatever we [can] we will” do.
“We are calling our brother Muhammad Barry, let us be patient, let us express our thanks to Allah. You are not alone in this. We are all together [and] we are with you in this today and tomorrow,” he added.
He consoled the father of decease girls “to be patience and be thankful to Allah” describing the incident “very painful” that “we cannot avoid that.”
He reminded the Muslims that Ramadan is a month which people should increase reciting the Qur’an and offer support to other people.
Muhammed Barry and Kumba Bah, both victims, thanked the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for the support as they received the donated items. They said they are very happy and highly hoped the donation will help go a long way.
The Ahmadiyya will today distribute similar gesture in Banjul.
