The incident occurred as people in the area prepare for the just ended Eid-al Adha locally known as Tobaski.
In an interview with The Point on Thursday, Ilo Jawo, alkalo of Wellingara village in Sami District, bemoaned the increasing rate of theft cases involving small ruminants in the district, saying over 30 of his sheep and a motorbike have been taken away by thieves recently.
"I’m in a stage of dilemma and frustrated as ‘Tobaski’ is fast approaching. I was planning to sell some of my sheep to buy other family needs."
However, he described the incident as not the first time of its kind of incident in the area especially in the dry season.
"In provincial Gambia, people's lives are in danger as thieves are in every corner. I am therefore calling on the government especially the Minister for Interior, and the Gambia Police Force to increase security in the area by deploying more security personnel in the area."
Elsewhere, Hamoro Danso, Numko Camara and Bilo Jallow, all natives of Tankong Kunda village in the same district, reported similar incidents.
They all deplored the disheartening and unbearable nature of theft involving small ruminants in the area, adding that thieves always entered their homes and take away valuable belongings.
The trio acknowledged the importance of rearing small ruminants especially during festive periods like ‘Tobaski’ when the demand is high.
"During Tobaski we sell some our sheep to buy other family needs. So, this unfortunate incident is a great loss to us." they added.
Thus, these communities call for continuous caution and deployment of more security personnel to save live and properties.
