By Landing Ceesay
The Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Police Force, Cadet ASP Binta Njie-Jatta, confirmed the arrest of several youths in Bakau last night.
“Yes, they were arrested but it is just our normal patrol routine. So It was just a normal patrol routine we do. This routine has been going on, so it is just normal for us to intensify our patrols in those areas,” the Police PRO told Kerr Fatou.
When asked whether they were arrested in connection to the Thursday protest, the Police PRO denied that their arrests were in connection with that protest.
“Well, if the people arrested were found to be those who took part in the protest, they might take action required against them. But their arrest is not in connection to the Thursday protest,” she stated.
However, Kerr Fatou was last night reliably informed that Officers of the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) arrested several youths in Bakau in connection with the Thursday Protest.
“Witnesses said that they found them brewing Ataya and pounced on them. When I reached the station, I engaged the Station Officer and he said it was in connection with the protest. Which I cannot understand one bit,” our source stated.
Our source further stated that on the day of the protest, more than 10 youths were arrested but he cannot confirm the number of arrestees from last night’s action.
This is a developing story. We will update you in subsequent publications as we gather more information.