President Adama Barrow has called on religious and traditional leaders, parents, school teachers, business operators, youth organisations and community influencers to help in complementing his government’s efforts in promoting a culture of peaceful co-existence.

Barrow made the statement while attending the UN General Assembly in the United States, as The Gambia sees a rise in violent crimes including killings.

“Within a week, five young men lost their lives in Jahanka, Central River Region, Bakau and Kololi in the Kanifing Municipality, Sinchu Alagie and Nyofelleh in the West Coast Region all in gruesome circumstances that contradict human decency, due process and respect for the sanctity of life,” Barrow said in a statement through his spokesman Ebrima G. Sankareh.

According to the statement, President Barrow expressed shock and sadness over “these heinous crimes claiming the innocent lives of young men”.

Mr Barrow commiserates with the families of the victims while assuring them of vigorous adherence to the due process of the law in investigating the killings and swift delivering of justice.

“The Gambia Government appreciates The Gambia Police Force and its sister security agencies for swiftly responding to distressed calls over cases of domestic violence and similar incidents,” the statement added. 

The president urged citizens to desist from taking the law into their own hands as various options of peacefully redressing grievances are available across the country. 

Reporting by Adama Makasuba