By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Hundreds of mourners gathered in Sanyang on Saturday, November 15, to bid a final farewell to Nuha Ceesay, a beloved native who tragically died in an industrial accident at a chicken factory in Cullingworth, United Kingdom. The 28th October incident has sparked devastation and calls for justice across the Gambian diaspora.
Ceesay’s remains arrived at Banjul International Airport on Friday, November 14, via SN TUI Airlines. Escorted by Sarjo Fofana, President of the Sanyang UK Association (SUKA), the body was received by a delegation including Sanyang Diaspora Ambassador Abdoulie Sallah Fatty, Sanyang Development Fund (SDF) President Yankuba Ceesay, SDF Vice President and SUKA country coordinator Buba P. Bojang, Imam Jaiteh, SDF member and Sanyang Ward Councilor Hon. Boto Bojang, plus relatives and family.
The fire erupted around 7:15 p.m. at Station Yard, Station Road, Cullingworth, in Bingley. West Yorkshire Police, alerted by ambulance services, described it as an industrial accident. According to The West Yorkshire News Telegraph, Ceesay sustained severe injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been notified, and a Coroner’s Inquest has been opened to investigate the circumstances. UK authorities have urged a swift investigation amid outrage from the Sanyang community at home and abroad.
At the burial in Sanyang, Fofana hailed Ceesay as a pillar of the UK-based Gambian community, praised for his religious devotion, hard work, and service. “His loss is immense,” Fofana said, revealing that SUKA fully funded the £5,543 (approximately D600,000) repatriation costs without aid from the Gambian Embassy in the UK or other donors.
Mourners, including imams, leaders, and family members, lauded Ceesay’s legacy, which included planting trees, digging wells, leading cleanup drives, and sponsoring vulnerable students and families in Sanyang and beyond. They prayed for Allah’s mercy, urging the community to honor his memory and support his grieving family, alongside all who passed before.
