ECOMIG soldiers and riot police have been deployed to Sanyang a day after violent protest following the brutal killing of a man in his house by unknown assailant.

Protesters clashed with police yesterday as they demand justice for the victim, Gibril Ceesay. The town’s police station was attacked and burned down as the angry mob blamed police for failing to protect the community. 

A Chinese-owned fishmeal factory was also attacked by the protesters who claimed the alleged killer work at the site. 

Tensions flared up again on Tuesday morning as youths attacked Senegalese fishermen living in the area, where the 30-year-old man was killed, burning their fishing boats and demanding they leave the town.

ECOMIG forces and riot police were immediately deployed to restore peace. 

Residents told Gambiana that: “ECOMIG forces and the PIU are deployed around the police station and on the highway with their heavy machine guns.”

One of the residents said the presence of the heavily armed soldiers in the town was frightening for school children who ran away anytime they heard loud noises. 

The news of Gibril Ceesay’s brutal death sparked nationwide anger and many are blaming the government for the insecurity in the country amid high cost of living during the coronavirus pandemic.

The alleged suspect is in police custody and a murder investigation has been launched. 

A source told Gambiana that police are also calling for an investigation into the arson attack on Sanyang police station. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba