By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
Late February 2024, the Medical Research Council of The Gambia (MRCG) issued a press release highlighting that armed robbers attacked their Kaneba field station in the region Lower River of the country in the early hours of 23rd February 2024.
Just last week a statement from the Gambian Police Force noted that “three people have been arrested in connection to the reported suspected armed robbery incident that happened in Keneba Village, Kiang West”.
According to the Police presser, “it was reported that the suspected robbers broke into a Bureau de Change and the MRC camp in Keneba fleeing away with some cash and a Toyota vehicle (Bufalo) with registration number MRC 257”.
Barely two weeks earlier the MRCG publication added that their “staff and patients in the wards were not harmed. However, the perpetrators broke into our garage and drove away in an MRC pickup truck with a license plate, 257”.
MRCG Unit Director, Professor Umberto D’Alessandro strongly condemned the “attack and urge the security to continue to ensure the safety of our communities and to safeguard the peace”. They added that MRCG has “notified all national security agents who are currently investigating the matter”.
“Our Keneba field station provides critical health care services to the community and neighbouring satellite villages. MRCG has been in The Gambia for more than 75 years delivering life-changing health care support and research aimed at reducing the burden of illness and improving lives”, the presser added.
This time it appears MRCG’s determination to “remain alert and provide the security with the support they to hold the perpetuators accountable” has paid off judging from the Police statement. According to Police “all suspects are in police custody, cooperating and helping with investigation”.
Our reporters will continue to follow this case.