Kaduna confirms death of bandit leader linked to Bethel school kidnapping

The Kaduna state government has confirmed the death of Kachalla Sharme, a “notorious bandit commander” linked to the 2021 abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in the state.

In a statement on Monday, Samuel Aruwan, overseeing commissioner for the ministry of internal security and home affairs in said Sharme was killed during a gunfight with a rival bandit group.

He noted that the clash occurred over the weekend around a location referred to as ‘Hambakko’ in the Rijana and Kaso Forests, which span Kachia and parts of Chikun and Kajuru LGAs.

He added that two other bandits were also killed and five injured in the clash.

“After diligent follow-up operations and the exploitation of vast human intelligence networks, it can be reported that the notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, and other bandits, have been killed in a fratricidal clash,” he said.

“Besides Sharme, two bandits from a rival group were killed in the fierce gun battle, which also enabled some kidnapped citizens to escape from captivity.

“According to intelligence sources, five bandits were injured in the clash and are currently hiding in the area, seeking medical attention for their wounds.

“Sharme, a notorious bandit who had butchered many citizens, kidnapped hundreds, and rustled countless herds of cattle, met his end in a battle between his group and a rival gang.

“Sharme had repeatedly escaped the crosshairs of security forces by a mere whisker and remained highly sought after until he was ultimately killed by fellow terrorists.

“Sharme and his gang were largely responsible for attacks, killings, and kidnappings in Millennium City, Maraban Rido, Kujama, Kajuru, Maro, and villages in the Kateri general area, as well as other locations in adjoining LGAs, including Kagarko, Kachia, and Birnin Gwari.

“One of his most heinous acts was the kidnapping of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School, Kujama, Kaduna State, on July 5, 2021.

“This was in addition to his criminal acts in neighbouring states, including Katsina and Niger, which also suffered from his waves of terrorism.

“In the course of repelling Sharme and his gang of terrorists, two security personnel paid the ultimate price.”

Aruwan warned residents of the state not to assist  suspicious-looking individuals with gunshot wounds.

He urged them to contact the nearest security agency, assuring that any information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

“Residents of Rijana, Kaso, Kasarami, Jaka da-Rabi, Kajuru, Dutse, and surrounding areas are advised not to provide any assistance to suspicious persons seeking treatment for gunshot wounds,” he added.

“They are urged instead to contact the nearest security forces or reach the Kaduna State Security Operations Room on the following lines: 09034000060, 08170189999.

“As is standard practice, such information will be treated with the highest sense of confidentiality.”