Armed with cutlasses, knives: Youth gang launches two-day violent attack in Wellingara

Residents of Wellingara are living in fear following two consecutive nights of violent attacks by armed youth gangs, which left several people injured and local businesses in ruins. The community is now bracing for possible retaliation as tensions continue to escalate, with urgent calls for government intervention.

According to eyewitness accounts, the first attack occurred on the night of 7 September at around 11pm. Over 50 young men, armed with cutlasses, stones, and other dangerous weapons, stormed the area in what many described as scenes of pandemonium.

“They attacked the nearby shop and beat a boy named Muhammed Jobe so badly he was left with serious injuries,” said Musa Minteh, a backway returnee who had rebuilt his life with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

“They took a phone belonging to Abdourahman Jawneh. Then they came straight to my place. I had customers playing games, and I asked them to pass peacefully. But they were armed with stones and dangerous knives.”

Minteh, who had established a small gaming centre featuring PlayStation consoles, attempted to shut the door to protect himself and his customers. Moments later, the gang began hurling stones, smashing three of his televisions, two of which were StarTract brand, and damaging other equipment. “We recognised many of them,” he added.

Armando Mendy, another victim, said his phone was forcibly taken during the same attack. “They found me inside the PlayStation and just took it. I think the government needs to act now. We’re also preparing to defend ourselves if this continues.”

The violence resumed in the early hours of 8 September, around 3am, when the gang reportedly returned and randomly attacked residents. Among those injured were Abdoulie Touray, and Lamin Kanyie.

The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, though residents say similar incidents began surfacing last year. The scale and frequency of the violence have left many questioning the effectiveness of current security measures.

Also targeted during the rampage was a community street lighting initiative led by the local association Maimi Nyodema Kafoo. The project, aimed at improving safety and visibility in the area, was dismantled by the gangs, plunging parts of Wellingara back into darkness.

Several vehicles had their windscreens shattered, and shopfront lights were smashed. The destruction of public infrastructure has further deepened the sense of vulnerability among residents.

Community Response and Growing Tensions

In response to the attacks, local youths have begun mobilising to defend their neighbourhoods, raising fears of further clashes and escalating violence. A WhatsApp group has reportedly been created, adding dozens of members from within the community in a coordinated effort to prepare for possible retaliation. The group is being used to discuss strategies for dealing with the perpetrators and to alert one another in real time if any suspicious activity is observed.

Residents say the initiative reflects growing frustration and fear, as well as a determination to protect their families and neighbourhoods.

On Tuesday night, our reporter visited the community and observed that many of the street lights had been damaged, forcing residents to sleep in darkness. It was also noted that several young people were armed with cutlasses and other weapons, stating they were prepared to confront the attackers should they return.

Calls for Government Action

“This is not just a criminal act, it’s a threat to our entire community,” said Saikou Y. Joof. “We need the government to step in now, before things spiral out of control.”

Joof urged the Gambia Police Force (GPF) to deploy Police Intervention Unit (PIU) personnel to the area before the situation escalates further. “We will not sit idly by and allow our people to be terrorised by these young boys,” he warned.

Babucarr Gassama, another resident, echoed the call for immediate action. “Our parents can’t even sleep peacefully anymore, constantly fearing an attack from this group,” he said. “We’ve reported the matter to the Wellingara Police Station and even to the Anti-Crime Unit. The authorities must act, otherwise, we will be forced to protect our community and our families ourselves.”

Eyewitnesses have reported that even a group of 20 youths would be unable to contain the attackers, as the gang comprises more than 50 individuals, all armed with dangerous weapons. “The only option is to lock yourself inside your house and let them do whatever they want or risk being seriously injured,” one resident said.

A Community United in Fear

Community leaders are urgently calling for increased police presence, swift arrests, and long-term strategies to address the gang activity. As Wellingara braces for what may come next, residents are united in one message: they cannot face this alone.

Source: The Point