Honorable Billay G. Tunkara, the majority leader and the National Assembly
By Ramatoulie Jawo
Honorable Billay G. Tunkara, the Majority Leader and National Assembly Member for Kantora Constituency, on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, moved a motion to condemn the killing of two Police Intervention Unit (PIU) officers by an armed man in the Gambia. The incident occurred on Tuesday night at the Sukuta Traffic Light.
“I condemn this senseless act of violence and urge the Executive to leave no stone unturned to bring the perpetrators to book. This country is a country of laws, and this Assembly has a responsibility and moral duty to ensure that it doesn’t descend into a jungle. Our thoughts and prayers go to the victim’s families and loved ones during this time of unimaginable grief,” he said.
Hon. Tunkara said that the act of violence not only took the lives of two brave individuals, but also struck at the very heart of the New Gambia and its renewed commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and good governance. He urged the government to do all it can to support the families of the young men who lost their lives, and to give them a befitting burial. He also called on the August Assembly to unite in condemning this act of senseless violence and to express their deepest condolences to the families of the fallen officers.
“As a government and people, we must reaffirm our commitment to a society based on the rule of law, where our brave men and women in uniform can carry out their duties. To the general public, I call upon you to cooperate with law enforcement as investigations into the matter are ongoing. Do not harbour the assailants, but rather provide the police with available information that can lead to their arrest to face the full force of the law,” he urged.
He reiterated that the Gambia is a country for all its citizens and that people must not allow criminals to undermine their national pride, which is peace and stability.
“Let’s all stand in solidarity with our law enforcement officers and collectively ensure that such an incident never occurs again in our dear motherland,” he said.