As dispute over sand mining in the village of Faraba Bantang festers, reports of clashes between the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) and the protesters have resulted in the killings of two young protesters.

A competent source who visited the Brikama Health Centre confirmed to Gunjur Online that two people have died as a result of gun shot injuries. A total of 26 people have sustained injuries including three girls and six (6) personnels of PIU. Our source indicates some of the injured persons have sustained serious and critical injuries. There are unconfirmed reports of the protesters now targeting and burning down the houses of those they claim are the root cause of the environment dispute within the community. Faraba Bantang Village has been locked in an environmental dispute with Julakay construction and engineering company over sand mining activities which the villagers protest are affecting their environment and livelihoods.

If the photos seen by this medium is anything to go by, it is a tragic end to life for the two people who have lost their lives in this incident. The photos are too graphic for publication in our opinion hence not shown here. Reports of live bullets being fired at protesters is a cause of concern and we hope the government takes swift action to nip this in the bud before more lives are lost.

This is a fluid story and we are monitoring the story as it develops.