Shock and Grief in Upper Fulladu After Restaurant Owner Fatally Stabbed

Written by: Dawda Baldeh

Residents of Galleh Manda in Upper Fulladu are mourning the killing of local restaurant owner Abdoulie Jobe, a resident of nearby Wellingara Demba Village, who was allegedly fatally stabbed in the early hours of Saturday morning. Police have arrested the suspect, identified as Ebrima Jawo, who is reportedly a deportee from France.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred between midnight and 1:00 a.m., sending shockwaves through the community.

Speaking exclusively to The Fatu Network, resident Alagie Mbye said the victim and the alleged assailant had argued earlier in the night before people intervened.

“Later, the suspect returned to the restaurant and confronted Jobe with a knife,” Mbye said, adding that Jawo had been deported from France and was living with his uncle in the village.

“This is very sad. We are devastated,” he said. “The victim was a hardworking young man who leaves behind two wives and children.”

The Gambia Police Force has since confirmed it is investigating what it described as a “suspected murder” following the death of Abdoulie Jobe, whom it identified as a 43-year-old shopkeeper from Wellingara Demba Village in Central River Region South.

According to the police, preliminary findings indicate that Jobe “sustained fatal stab injuries following an altercation with Ebrima Jawo, also of the same community.” The police added that officers from the YBK Police Intervention Unit responded swiftly to the incident, while investigators visited and processed the crime scene.

Reacting to the incident, another resident, Moth Sarr, also known as Njie Charakh, called on the authorities to take firm action against those responsible for violent crime.

“The authorities need to address the ongoing killings. They must send a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated,” he said.

Sarr added that anyone who intentionally takes another person’s life should face swift justice.

“The victim was a very hardworking young man who was incredibly supportive of his elderly mother. He was her only son.”

Police said investigations are ongoing and that further updates will be communicated as appropriate. The force also urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, stressing that disputes should be resolved through lawful means by reporting criminal or unlawful acts to the police. The force further reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that anyone found to have violated the law is investigated and dealt with in accordance with due process.