The reports of night raids by a gang of youth in the Sinchus should make every Gambian and resident of the country sit up with concern.
Though it’s our hope that the incidents are isolated cases, we believe law enforcement authorities should turn every stone to ensure there is no repeat of such senseless assaults on innocent, defenseless people.
The Gambia cannot afford to be ruled by hoodlums. The situation in Haiti should remind us all that anarchy can render the country ungovernable and the ramifications could be costly, far and wide reaching.
Gangs should be made to understand that they have noplace in our communities but that can only be done through the robust application of the laws.
Clear signals should be sent to any group of people, planning to throw the country into disorder, that they should start looking elsewhere as such would not be condoned here.
The rule of law must prevail! Weak laws and sluggish implementation of laws can set the perfect storm for our doom as a society.
Though it’s commendable that the Anti-Crime Unit of the Gambia Police Force (GPF) did a good job in arresting some of the people suspected of involvement in the Sinchu attacks that saw window glasses smashed and people injured, more needs to be done.
It’s still unfathomable that Gambians can arm and organize themselves to launch attacks on a community without giving two hoots to the security and safety of persons and property.