By Alieu Ceesay and Momodou Gagigo
A wave of grief swept through the community of Madinaring and surrounding villages in the West Coast Region as family, friends, and locals gathered to pay their final respects to Omar Badjie, a young man who tragically died in police custody. The somber burial ceremony at Mandinaring cemetery drew a significant crowd, including local and national authorities, all united in mourning and a shared call for justice.
The family of the late Omar Badjie, described by many as a religious, respectful, and hardworking individual, is awaiting the results of a postmortem examination to determine their next steps in their pursuit of justice. Speaking on behalf of the family, Tumani Badjie expressed their resolve at Omar’s family home. “We all know what caused his death, but we are waiting for the postmortem results. We already have our legal team ready,” Tumani stated, signaling the family’s preparedness to take legal action based on the findings.
Omar’s death has left an indelible void in his family and community. Known for his contributions to his family’s daily survival, his loss is deeply felt, particularly by his ailing father. “His departure will really affect us. Our father is already sick and can’t do anything or go anywhere because of Omar’s death. I’m just afraid that our dad might not survive this grief,” Tumani added, highlighting the emotional and practical toll on the family.
The circumstances surrounding Omar’s death have sparked widespread outrage, with several civil society organizations demanding transparency and accountability. The groups called on President Adama Barrow to ensure justice for Omar’s family and to uphold transparency in the investigation process. The public outcry underscores the broader community’s frustration and demand for answers.
In response to the incident, the Interior Minister announced the immediate suspension of the police officers involved in the patrol that led to Omar’s death. However, the minister did not disclose the names of the suspended officers, leaving many in the community dissatisfied with the lack of transparency. Community leaders have urged the state police to act professionally and to remember the importance of accountability, both during and after their service.
Mbemba Touray, a ward councillor in Madinaring, addressed the community’s youth, urging them to remain patient and allow the legal process to unfold. “Let the youths be patient; the law is taking its due course. The postmortem is being conducted, and the investigation is ongoing. This will guide us to the next step,” Touray told The Alkamba Times (TAT). His words reflect a community striving to balance grief with a commitment to justice through lawful means.
Amid the mourning, the family has refuted claims that the government donated D100,000 to support them, dismissing the assertion as false. This denial has further fueled skepticism about the government’s handling of the situation, intensifying calls for an independent and thorough investigation.
As the community of Madinaring lays Omar Badjie to rest, the collective resolve to seek justice remains unwavering. The postmortem results, expected to provide critical insights into the cause of his death, will likely shape the family’s next steps in their legal battle. For now, the memory of Omar—a devoted son, a hardworking individual, and a respected member of his community—lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, as they await answers and accountability.
The tragedy has not only shaken Madinaring but has also reignited broader discussions about police conduct and the need for systemic reforms to prevent such losses in the future. As the investigation continues, the eyes of the community and the nation remain fixed on the pursuit of truth and justice for Omar Badjie.
