By Binta Jaiteh
The National Assembly member for Lower Fulladu West GibbiMballow has raised concern over recent wave of murder cases while calling on the assembly to urgently demand for end to the killings.
The member raised the concern while speaking on the matter which was tabled at the assembly recently. “It is imperative for the Honourable Members of the National Assembly to urgently address this matter to protect the lives and properties of our citizens,” he stated.
According to him, the escalating violence in the beloved country is deeply concerning and poses a significant threat to the safety and security of all peace-loving Gambians.
To buttress on his point, he cited the tragic murder of Shakina Chinedu, a 60-year-old British woman, on Friday 20th February 2024, when her body was discovered in a building in SinjangVillage, near Kunkujang Mariama in Kombo North. Valuable items were allegedly stolen from her residence, and the suspect has been apprehended by the police.
Mballow said another murder case occurred in New Jeshwangwhere a man purportedly of Senegalese nationality, and a drummer by profession, allegedly killed his friend before fleeing the scene to evade arrest.
However, the police are said to be diligently pursuing the suspect. Furthermore, he talked about two robbery suspects along with their driver have been detained by authorities in connection with a shooting incident at Ali Sidi’s (a Mauritanian businessman’s) property in Faiara.
“These are some of the reports I am able to gather on the recent wave of killing incidents nefariously perpetrated against innocent lives,” Mballow remarked.
He went on to commend the efforts of the Gambia Police Force in swiftly apprehending suspects or investigating the incidents. He says it is evident that further action is required from the National Assembly to ensure the safety and security of thepopulace and their belongings.
“Therefore, in light of these distressing developments, I urge the National Assembly to come up with resolutions that will prioritize the implementation of robust policies aimed at enhancing public safety and restoring trust in not only our justice system but also the laws we make,” he emphasized.
Giving out recommendations Hon. Mballow called for strengthening of law enforcement by allocating resources to enhance police capacity, support community policing initiatives and implement proactive crime prevention measures such as neighborhood watch programmes and campaigns.
“As elected representatives of the Gambian people, it is incumbent upon us to act decisively and swiftly in the interest of our nation and its citizens. Let us stand together in our commitment to address this urgent challenge head-on, safeguarding the fundamental rights and safety of every Gambian,” he concluded.