By: Momodou Gagigo
In a shocking development in Dongoroba village, Jarra East, Lower River Region (LRR), a local farmer, Babucarr Dem, has confessed to the killing of 15-year-old herdsman Biran Jallow following a heated dispute over grazing rights on August 7, 2025. The confession has sent ripples of grief and outrage through the tight-knit community, prompting swift action from authorities as they work to uncover the full details of this tragic incident. The Gambia Police Force (GPF), accompanied by the Fire Service, is set to visit the crime scene today to gather critical evidence, while Dem remains in custody at Mansa Konko Police Station.
The incident, which unfolded on a seemingly ordinary day, stemmed from a confrontation between Dem and two young herdsmen, Biran Jallow and Nganyi Bah, who were herding cattle near Dem’s farmland. According to reports, Dem demanded that the boys move their cattle, which were grazing approximately 15 meters from his crops. The herders’ refusal, asserting that the cattle posed no threat, escalated tensions. Dem allegedly returned to his home, retrieved a firearm, and fired shots—first into the air to scare the cattle, and then reportedly in Jallow’s direction. While Bah escaped unharmed, Jallow vanished, leaving only his mobile phone behind.
For weeks, Jallow’s disappearance gripped Dongoroba, with villagers and his family tirelessly searching for him. Initial reports indicated that Dem was arrested the day after the incident but controversially released on bail by Bureng Police, sparking widespread criticism. After pressure from Jallow’s family, Dem was rearrested, and the case was transferred to Mansa Konko for further investigation.
Despite extensive searches of Dem’s farm and nearby areas, no trace of Jallow was found until Dem’s recent confession confirmed the worst fears: Jallow was killed.
The police, initially criticized for their handling of the case, are now intensifying efforts. ASP Sisawo, GPF Public Relations Officer, previously unaware of the incident, is expected to provide updates as the investigation progresses.
Today’s crime scene visit aims to uncover physical evidence, such as bullet casings or signs of a struggle, to corroborate Dem’s confession and clarify the circumstances of Jallow’s death. The Fire Service’s involvement suggests a thorough approach, possibly to assist with forensic analysis or search for remains.
In Jarra East, overlapping grazing and farming areas often spark disputes, but rarely with such deadly outcomes. The incident has reignited calls for mediation and resource-sharing agreements to foster coexistence. A security official, speaking anonymously to The Alkamba Times, stressed that effective conflict management could boost rural livelihoods and food security, warning that unchecked tensions risk further division.
Jallow’s family, devastated by his loss, continues to demand justice. The community, meanwhile, grapples with grief and fear of escalating tensions.
