House of ACU commander vandalized, police renew call for calm

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By AMADOU MANJANG

The Ebo Town residence of Gorgi Mbood, commander of the Anti-Crime Unit (ACU) has been vandalized by protesters while protests were still going on in Brikama, Serrekunda market and ACU office in Bijilo on Wednesday.

Protesters in Brikama dubbed #OccupyBAC said they want efficiency of their Area Council, while protesters at Serrekunda market and ACU protested against the death of Ousman Darboe allegedly beaten by ACU officers in custody before take to the hospital where he died.

Eyewitness accounts have it that

an angry crowd protesters marched to the Mboob’s home throwing stones before they began looting and set the house ablaze.

The eyewitness added that some young men jumped over the fence at different direction into the compound and stated setting it on fire.

Meanwhile, protesters in Bijilo burned down a police vehicle near the office of ACU.

Another van parked about some 400 meters from the ACU headquarters in a mechanic garage was burned down.

A mechanic at the garage told The Monitor that the vehicle was brought there for maintenance.

Soldiers of the Gambian Armed Force and Ecomig were also at the scene trying to put off the fire and keeping the protesters away from ACU headquarters.

More protesters were seen near the Bakoteh fish market and the police station in the evening burning tyres.

Sources close to Bakoteh Police Station who spoke to our reporter said the station was attacked and three detainees escaped when the cells were unlocked, stating that none of their officers sustained injury.

The source said the station’s TV set, refrigerator, clothes, record book, telephone were burnt, some money, gas bottle were also stolen and the office PC broken.

The source added that up to four persons were arrested in connection with robbing of passersby near the Bakoteh petrol station behind the police station.

“Following several acts of vandalism, attacks on the Police and destruction of properties by protesters, the Office of the IGP is renewing its call for calm and restraint,” stated a dispatch from the police.

The additional information from the Gambia Police Force following the protests confirmed that vehicles of the Police have been damaged, Police officers injured and an Arson attack on the home of the Commander of the Anti-Crime Unit.

The police also confirmed that Mboob’s house was vandalized and properties looted.

“In view of the above, the Inspector General’s Office is calling on the public to maintain peace and refrain from gathering around Police Stations, Markets, Area Council premises and Security Installations.”

ASP Lamin Njie, Public Relations Officer of the Gambia Police Force said in the release that personnel of the security services will conduct vigorous patrols and checks in order to ensure safety and security of the public, soliciting the cooperation of the general public.