By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
A violent altercation over grazing rights in Dongoroba village, Jarra East, Lower River Region (LRR), has left the community in shock and one herdsman missing. On Thursday, July 7, 2025, a farmer, Babucarr Dem, allegedly fired gunshots at two herdsmen, Biran Jallow and Nganyi Bah, following a heated dispute over cattle grazing near his farm. The incident has sparked outrage, with locals criticizing the Bureng Police for granting bail to the accused while Jallow’s whereabouts remain unknown.
According to sources close to the village who spoke to The Alkamba Times (TAT), the incident unfolded when Dem confronted the herders, demanding they move their cattle, which were grazing approximately 15 meters from his farm. The herders reportedly refused, asserting that their cattle posed no threat to Dem’s crops. This refusal escalated tensions, leading Dem to retrieve a firearm from his home. Sources claim he first fired a shot into the air to scare the cattle before allegedly aiming a second shot in the direction of Biran Jallow. While no cattle were harmed, and Nganyi Bah escaped unharmed, Jallow’s whereabouts remain a mystery, with only his mobile phone recovered so far.
Galleh Loum, the owner of the herd, confirmed the incident, stating, “No cattle were killed or injured, but we are deeply worried about Biran Jallow. His family has been searching for him since Thursday, and we still don’t know if he’s alive or dead.” The uncertainty surrounding Jallow’s fate has fueled anger among community members, particularly over the decision to release Dem on bail.
An anonymous source expressed frustration with the authorities, saying, “It’s baffling that Bureng Police released Babucarr Dem while Biran’s family is still searching for him. This incident happened because the herders refused to move their cattle, but firing a gun was excessive. The police need to explain why Dem is free when we don’t even know if Biran is safe.” The source added that the community is anxious, with fears that the incident could escalate tensions between farmers and herders in the region.
The Lower River Region, where Dongoroba is located, is predominantly agricultural, with over 60% of Gambians relying on farming for their livelihood. Conflicts between farmers and pastoralists over land use are not uncommon, particularly in rural areas like Jarra East, where grazing areas and farmlands often overlap. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of managing such disputes, which can turn violent without effective mediation.
TAT reached out to the Gambia Police Force (GPF) for comment. ASP Sisawo, the Public Relations Officer, stated he was unaware of the incident but promised to investigate and provide an update. The lack of immediate clarity from the police has further frustrated locals, who are demanding transparency and justice.
The incident has reignited discussions about farmer-herder conflicts, with some drawing parallels to regional tensions over land use. A security official who spoke to TAT on the condition of anonymity emphasized the broader implications, stating, “If managed properly, we can reduce farmer-herder conflicts, boost rural livelihoods, and improve food security.” However, without resolution, such incidents risk deepening divisions in communities like Dongoroba.
As the search for Biran Jallow continues, the community remains on edge, awaiting answers about his fate and the circumstances surrounding Dem’s release. Authorities are urged to act swiftly to address the concerns of Jallow’s family and prevent further unrest in Jarra East. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for dialogue and resource-sharing agreements to mitigate conflicts between farmers and pastoralists in Gambia’s rural heartlands.
