The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF) has confirmed the deaths of three recruits from Intake 40 following a Combat Fitness Test (CFT) conducted by the GAF Training School on Friday, September 11.
According to the GAF, several recruits were admitted to Ndemban Clinic in Bakau and Kanifing General Hospital after the exercise.
Two more recruits Darboe Sarja of Tubakuta and Lamin Koita of Kerr Nyangado, Jokadu died on Saturday, September 12. Their deaths followed that of Recruit Tamsir Bah of Chamen, who died on Friday, bringing the number of fatalities to three.
The GAF said the three recruits were buried in their respective villages on Sunday, September 13, following the completion of funeral arrangements.
As of Monday, three recruits remain admitted at Kanifing General Hospital, while one other recruit is still receiving treatment at Ndemban Clinic.
Investigations by the Centre for Disease Control are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident. The GAF said it would provide further updates once the investigations are completed.
Meanwhile, the two soldiers of the State Guards Battalion who were involved in a road traffic accident on Sunday, September 13, have been discharged from hospital after being admitted for observation.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Ousman Gomez, his deputy, the Services Chiefs and the GAF have extended condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased recruits.
The GAF also paid tribute to the deceased for their courage and commitment to serving the country, and prayed for Allah to grant them eternal rest and give their families strength to bear the loss
