State ministers in somber mood received the remains of late Vice President Dr Alieu Badara Joof today at the Banjul International Airport. 

The body arrived in Banjul from India where the late vice president passed away on Wednesday while receiving medical treatment.

His casket draped in the Gambia national flag was carried by soldiers of The Gambia Armed Forces.

The body will now be taken to the mortuary at the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) in Banjul. 

A vigil will be held at the mortuary until Monday morning when his coffin will be moved to the National Assembly to lay in state for mourners to pay their last respects.

President Adama Barrow will lead the official eulogies at the National Assembly, according to a State House statement. 

After the casket will be transported to the Banjulinding Mosque for the Islamic  funeral prayers before final internment at the local cemetery where the late Vice President Badara Alieu Joof will be laid to rest next to his mother’s grave.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba