United Democratic Party (UDP) member Solo Sandeng and two fellow party members died following their arrest last week over a demonstration in the capital, Banjul, calling for electoral reforms, the statement said.
Mr Ban called for an independent investigation into the deaths, and the immediate and unconditional release of others arrested.
"The secretary-general is deeply concerned about the apparent use of excessive force and the arrest and detention of peaceful demonstrators,'' the statement added.
Main opposition leader Ousainou Darboe was arrested on Saturday with other party supporters who gathered in Serrekunda, near Banjul, to demand the release of people in detention, and the bodies of those who died in detention, his UDP party said in a statement, the Associated Press news agency reports.
The Gambia's leader Yahya Jammeh has ruled the tiny Western African state, which is a popular tourist destination, since 1994.
He is expected to seek to extend his term in elections due in December.
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