#Headlines

Farmer confesses to killing herdsman at Dongoroba

Aug 25, 2025, 11:30 AM

The body of Biran Jallow, a young herdsman fatally shot in a grazing dispute in Dongoroba, Lower Rivere Region, was solemnly escorted to his home village of Sare Omar, Central River Region, for burial on August 24, 2025. The procession, marked by grief and community solidarity, followed an emotional plea from Jallow’s family, prompting authorities to release the body for a proper burial in accordance with local traditions.

An ambulance crew, accompanied by personnel from The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service, provided a secure escort for the transportation of Jallow’s body. Residents from Dongoroba and neighboring villages gathered in large numbers, lining the route to pay their respects and express collective sorrow over the tragic loss. The sombre event underscored the deep impact of Jallow’s death on the tight-knit communities.

The incident, which occurred on August 7, 2025, stemmed from a heated confrontation over grazing rights. According to reports, farmer Babucarr Dem allegedly fired a gun at Jallow and two other herders after a dispute over livestock on his farmland. Jallow went missing following the incident, and subsequent searches confirmed his death, sparking widespread outrage. Dem, who has confessed to the killing, remains in police custody at Bureng Police Station as authorities intensify their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The case has ignited calls for justice across the region, with community leaders and the National Livestock Owners Association (NaLOA) condemning the violence. NaLOA President Ebrima O. Jallow, who visited Dongoroba and met with Jallow’s family, emphasised the need for dialogue between farmers and herders to prevent such tragedies. “This incident is a stark reminder of the tensions over land and livestock in our communities,” he said, urging authorities to engage stakeholders to ensure peace and stability.

As Sare Omar prepared to lay Jallow to rest, the community continued to mourn, with many demanding accountability and measures to address recurring land disputes. The police have assured the public of a thorough investigation, while local leaders called for calm and unity to prevent further escalation. The burial marks a poignant moment for reflection on the need for peaceful coexistence in The Gambia’s rural heartlands. (Source: Alkamba Times)