A violent armed robbery shook the quiet community of Ballangharr Kerr Nderry on the evening of March 21, 2025, when at least three armed robbers targeted two local shops along the main highway, including a provision shop owned by a Mauritanian national. The brazen attack, which occurred between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m. shortly after the breaking of the fast, ended with one robber dead, another seriously injured, and a manhunt underway for the remaining suspects.
Authoritative sources close to the scene reported that the robbers stormed the shops, one belonging to Ahmed, a Mauritanian national, and the other to Katim Touray, a local resident.
Armed with guns, the assailants made off with an unquantifiable sum of money in both Dalasi and CFA denominations. However, their escape was thwarted when villagers confronted them, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
Local Councilor of Ballangharr Ward, Fanta Touray, confirmed the incident to *The Alkamba Times (TAT), stating, “The armed robbers struck just after the fast was broken. One of the shops belongs to Ahmed, a Mauritanian, and the other to Katim Touray. During the robbery, one of the robbers was seriously injured.” The injured suspect was initially taken to Kaur Health Center before being transferred to Farafenni General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
A security officer, speaking anonymously to TAT, revealed that the apprehended robber had been severely beaten by angry villagers before being handed over to authorities. “At least three robbers were involved, according to eyewitnesses and villagers. Two managed to escape, but one was caught thanks to the bravery of the community,” the officer said. “He was bleeding badly, which is why Kaur Health Center referred him to Farafenni General Hospital.”
Tragically, the injured robber, identified as Yero Sikh Sow, a Senegalese national, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Farafenni General Hospital. Meanwhile, police, paramilitary forces, and State Intelligence Service (SIS) officers have launched an intensive operation to track down the remaining suspects.
One individual, a Jakarta motorcycle rider, was briefly detained and interrogated but has since been released as investigations continue.
Councilor Touray noted that while the exact amount of money and property stolen remains unclear, security forces are on high alert. “The police and paramilitaries are going after the robbers. They are doing everything possible to bring them to justice,” she assured.
The incident has left the community on edge, with residents praising the villagers’ swift response while calling for increased security measures along the highway. As the manhunt intensifies, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward to assist in apprehending the fugitives.
