Four soldiers who died in a car crash while escorting the president to his home village of Mankamang Kunda named. 

The soldiers were named as Lance Corporal Kebba Sanneh, Corporal Ansumana Danso, Lance Corporal Saikou Touray and Lance Corporal Ousman Jobe.

A fifth soldier who survived the crash, identified as First Class Ndedeh Bahoum, is currently receiving treatment at Bwiam General Hospital and said to be in a non-critical and stable condition. 

The fatal accident happened yesterday (12 August) at Foni Ndemban and involved one of the rear escort vehicles with five State House soldiers onboard.  

“The Military Police in collaboration with the Gambia Police Forces are investigating the circumstances leading to the cause of the accident. The general public would be duly informed of any developments as the situation unfolds,” said army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Lamin K Sanyang. 

Tributes have been paid to the soldiers. 

“President Barrow profoundly regrets this unfortunate accident and prays Allah Subhana wa ta’allah to grant them the highest of Jannah.

“The president extends his deepest sorrow to their families and wishes Ndedeh Bahoum a speedy recovery,”a statement from the president’s office said. 

“We pray that the Almighty Allah Receives their souls in Paradise, the fortitude for their families, loved ones, friends and the entire Gambian Nation, to muster this enormous national tragedy,” opposition leader Mai Ahmad Fatty said. 

Lance Corporal Ousman Jobe left behind a pregnant wife, according to friends.

He joined the police in 2017 and transferred to the State Guards after completing his military training. 

Lance Corporal Saikou Touray was a convoy driver with the State Guards battalion.