Reliable reports reaching the Daily Observer, indicate that Private Lamin Jarjue, a member of the Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), on Friday evening, suffered "multiple shots" from an AK47 rifle, at the Farafenni Barracks, North Bank Region.

According to sources, Private Jarjue was asleep with the rifle by his side, when he inadvertently touched the trigger. Bullets reportedly shot out from the barrel and lodged in one of his legs. The injuries were said to be grievous.

Sources disclosed that the injured soldier was immediately rushed to the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH) in Banjul, where he is currently admitted. Insiders at the hospital said Private Jarjue's condition has been stable. But our sources could not elaborate further on the nature of the injury.

When contacted, Major Lamin Gano, the public relations officer of the Gambia Armed Forces, confirmed the story, but was quick to say that a military Board of Inquiry (BIO) has been set up and is tasked with the responsibility of investigating circumstances surrounding the incident.

Meanwhile, some commentators held that the Russian-made rifle, which is widely known for its fatality and long range target, "must have been unlocked" when the bullets rang out.