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GFP mourns 2 slain PIU officers

Sep 14, 2023, 10:50 AM | Article By: Momodou Jawo

The Gambia is mourning the death of two personnel of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) of The Gambia Police Force (GPF), who while on active duty, were on Tuesday 12 September 2023, reportedly shot to death by an unknown assailant at the Sukuta Traffic Lights Junction.

The PIU officers are personnel of the Anti-Crime-Unit of the GPF who were deployed in the area to maintain peace and order. Another female officer who also sustained injuries during the shooting incident is currently admitted at the EFSTH and receiving medical attention from life threatening injuries.

The two PIU officers in the person of Pateh Jallow and Sang Mendy were pronounced dead upon arrival at the Ndemban Clinic while Nancy Jawo is critically injured and currently receiving medical attention.

The GPF has launched a massive manhunt for the suspect, with the police deploying dozens of personnel including intelligence officers through the Kanifing Municipality and beyond. The suspect, according to eyewitnesses, was seen wearing a ‘kaftan’ during the shooting incident that occurred on Tuesday night.

The Gambian leader has also reacted to the Sukuta shooting incident, while calling the attack an “Act of Terror”.

President Barrow has also placed a bounty of D1 Million for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s) who shot and killed two Police officers last night. The President called the attack "an act of terror" intended to intimidate the Police and the government. He vowed to do everything possible to get to the bottom of this act.

The President has also summoned the National Security Council to the State House for updates on the situation, claiming that “arrests have already been made.”

Barrow assured Gambians that “his government will do everything possible to ensure peace and security in The Gambia.”

The Gambia Police Force in a statement, said: “The Inspector General of Police, Abdoulie Sanyang, and the Senior Management of The Gambia Police Force offer their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims affected by the recent incident, which tragically claimed the lives of two police officers and left one in critical condition at the hospital.”

“The Office of the Inspector General of Police is unwavering in its commitment to bring the individual(s) responsible for this deadly assault to justice through every available means.”

“Furthermore, a substantial compensation, essentially a bounty, will be awarded to anyone whose information leads to the successful apprehension of the assailant.”

“Moreover, the public is kindly reminded of the importance of cooperating with the police during these challenging times by providing any information that could aid in the on-going manhunt.”

The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) on Tuesday also deployed a patrol team from the 1 Infantry Battalion at the Yundum Barracks to gather further information about the shooting incident.