Benedict Jammeh, a former Inspector General of Police and director general of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has passed away on Saturday evening aged 61.
Ben, as he was affectionately called, was a career service man starting with the Field Force before becoming a schoolteacher.
He was among the first students of the Saint Mary’s University Extension Programme in addition to studies he did in the United Kingdom. Upon his return, he served in the prosecution department of the Gambia Police Force rising to become Inspector General of Police. His last job was as Director General of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
Ben, who was reputed and recognised for his honesty and patriotism, will be buried in his home village Kanilai on Thursday at 11 am.
Wake-keeping would be at his house in Busumbala on Wednesday at 6 pm. He is survived by a wife and six children.
Since the news broke out Saturday, hundreds of mourners including his many friends and former colleagues, have been visiting his house in Busumbala to pay respects to a man they say was a true and faithful servant of the Gambia and who defended truth and rejected any temptation to do evil or excess in his distinguished career in the various forces he worked and headed.
“Ben was a God-fearing man who respected everybody without discrimination. He was an example of modesty, discipline and truthfulness,” a senior policeman who knew him well cried.
