#Headlines

Marabout intercepted, quarantined with 17 disciples

May 22, 2020, 12:39 PM | Article By: Momodou Jawo

As the fight against the deadly coronavirus intensifies, a taskforce comprising health personnel and different securities apparatus in Farafenni in the North Bank Region (NBR), has again intercepted one marabout with 17 of his disciples (talibs) at the Kerr Ayoub Border Post, The Point can confirm.

A source that spoke to our reporter on the condition of anonymity confirmed the development. “The 18 individuals are currently subjected to quarantine in one of the hotels in Farafenni in the NBR.”

The marabout and his 17 talibs, our source further revealed, were from one of the villages in the Central River Region. “However, at the time they were intercepted at the border, the marabout and his disciples were reported to be coming from Senegal and going for Eidul fitr (Koriteh prayer) in CRR. In fact, a driver and his apprentice who were transporting the marabout and his followers were also taken into quarantine.”

Meanwhile, another source in NBR told our reporter that the marabout and his 17 disciples were escorted to Gambian border by the Senegalese authority. “In fact, I believe they were escorted by the Senegalese Child Right Authority.”

The affair, our source said, happened yesterday evening between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. “They were all planning to go to CRR for the prayers and unfortunately the Gambian authorities intercepted them and subjected them to quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic.”

As of yesterday, Senegal has registered 98 new positive cases of covid-19, bringing the country’s total to 2,812 cases, 1,251 recoveries, 30 deaths and 1,530 under treatment.