Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Government of The Gambia has expressed regret over the death of 22-year-old Omar Badjie following a police operation in Mandinary Village, Kombo North District, West Coast Region, and announced plans to launch an immediate coroner’s inquest into the incident.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the incident occurred on 27 September 2025 during an encounter between a police patrol team and a group of youths allegedly found smoking cannabis.

According to the ministry, the youths attempted to flee the scene, prompting a police chase during which Omar Badjie reportedly fell.

He was picked up and rushed to the Banjulinding Health Centre before being referred to Kanifing General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

News of Badjie’s death quickly spread in Mandinary, sparking outrage and unrest. Angry youths reportedly vandalized the local police post and attacked police personnel, injuring some officers seriously enough to require hospitalization.

Reinforcements were later deployed to restore calm, while local authorities were engaged to pacify the community.

“The Government regrets this unfortunate loss of life and commiserates with the family of the deceased,” the statement said, assuring the community that a coroner’s inquest will be “immediately instituted” to determine the circumstances and cause of Badjie’s death. The outcome of the inquest and related investigations will be communicated to the public.

Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and the safety of all citizens, the government called on residents of Mandinary and the wider public to remain law-abiding and maintain peace and stability. “Peace, security, and stability are the collective responsibility of all citizens,” the statement concluded.