Six serving soldiers of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) have been arrested at their barracks in Fajara.

Another two soldiers were reported to have evaded arrest by absconding their sentry posts and allegedly leaving their rifles behind.

The army spokesman, Major Lamin K. Sanyang, has confirmed the soldiers arrest but refused to give details as to why they were arrested.

“At the moment, I can’t tell you the circumstance leading to the arrest of the six soldiers. What is clear is that they are under the custody of the military police. The matter is under investigation. We will update you after the completion of our investigation,” MaJor Sanyang said.

However military sources have said the arrest relates to an incident in Gunjur involving soldiers who were deployed in the village to prevent inter-communal fights between the villagers and their neighbours in Berending. Gambiana could not independently verify that information.

Meanwhile, earlier this year a land dispute erupted between the residents of Gunjur and Berending leading to the death of Buba Jammeh, a former fire fighter and councillor.