“Crimes rates used to be very high in the area especially before the opening of the command in the area. However, the menace has now become a thing of the past as operatives of the SIS are 24 hours patrolling the area in ensuring that peace and stability is maintained in the area with a view to boost economic activities of local dwellers in the area who depend mainly on businesses,” Mamud Drammeh, the alkalo of Kerr Pateh said.
Alkalo Drammeh was speaking yesterday during the opening of the new SIS complex building in Kerr Pateh. “I want to thank the director general of SIS for his foresight and magnanimity in providing security for the people of Kerr Pateh and the whole of Central Badibou as the deployment of the officers have greatly impacted on the lives and livelihoods of the inhabitants.”
The country’s chief spy is currently on a countrywide national security tour. DG Sowe, accompanied by a high powered delegation is expected to interact with Gambians and also discuss with different stakeholders the significance of maintaining peace in the country. They are also expected to hold radio talks shows on all FM’s across the country and spread the message of peace and security consciousness.
Addressing the crowd, Ousman Sowe thanked the people of Kerr Pateh especially the village Alkalo for allocating the land for the construction of the complex which will host not only the SIS personnel but officers of other services as well.
Sowe further recalled that when he visited the village in 2018, he was amazed to learn that officers of the SIS were housed in a poultry house which prompted him to take swift actions in delivering the complex. He advised the gathering to remain watchful and continue to collaborate with all the security officers as national security is everyone’s business.
He finally advised the people to remain united and co-exist peacefully especially at a time when we are approaching elections.
Lamin Saidykhan, the regional governor of NBR thanked DG Sowe for his continued commitment towards providing security in the country.
Governor Saidykhan affirmed that since the construction of the new complex and the deployment of officers from different services which included a platoon of soldiers, cross border and other related crimes have decreased drastically and it has also greatly improved the economy and boosted the confidence of inhabitants in the security officers.
This statement was equally attested to by the Imam and people of DaruRilwan who all expressed their happiness to DG Sowe and the SIS for providing security and confidence in Central Badibou.
The Chief of Central Badibou Alhagie Jagne, Commanding Officer of 2nd Infantry Battalion Lt. Col. Ebrima Krubally, VDC Chairperson Mr. Tapha Barrow and Awa Sowe all thanked DG Sowe for providing residents the maximum security they needed.
“I want to sincerely thank DG Sowe for intervening in our plight in providing potable drinking water for the entire village of Kerr Pateh. Water shortage was among the top challenges the villages were encountering, hence it now became of the things of the past,” VDC chairman Tahpa Barrow posited.
Other engagements as part of the tour included a visit to Barra Police Station, Kuntaur Police Station and a brief meeting at the North Bank Regional Governor’s office. The tour continues today with the inauguration of a newly built armory for 2nd Infantry Battalion and the inauguration of another new SIS complex in Janjangbureh.
