Notorious bandit commander responsible for Kaduna Baptist school abduction gunned down in fratricidal clash

Notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, who was responsible for the abduction of 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kujama, Kaduna State have been k!lled in a fratricidal clash. 

Recall that on July 5, 2021, bandits invaded the school located outside Kaduna metropolis and abducted 121 students. 

The bandits later released the students in batches, collecting millions of naira from their families. 

In the course of repelling Sharme and his gang of terrorists, two personnel of the security forces were killed. 

The last victim victim, 13-year-old Treasure Ayuba, regained his freedom in 2023 after over two years of captivity. 

The Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, who confirmed the killing of Kachalla in a statement on Monday, September 23, 2024, said several other bandits were also killed and left with life-threatening injuries during the clash. 

“As the maxim has foretold, those who live by the sword, certainly die by the sword. After diligent follow-up operations and exploitation of vast human intelligence networks, it can be happily reported that the notorious bandit commander Kachalla Tukur Sharme, and other bandits, have been killed in a fratricidal clash,” the statement read.

"Aside from Sharme, two other bandits from a rival group were killed in the fierce gun duel, which also enabled some kidnapped citizens to escape from captivity. 

"According to intelligence sources, five bandits were injured in the clash and are presently lurking in the area, seeking paramedics to manage their wounds. 

"Sharme, a notorious bandit who had butchered many citizens, kidnapped hundreds and rustled innumerable herds of cattle, met his end in a battle between his group and an opposing gang. 

"The clash occurred at 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. 

"Sharme had several times escaped the crosshairs of security forces by a mere whisker, and remained hotly sought after before he was gunned down by fellow terrorists. 

"Sharme and his gang of bandits were largely responsible for attacks, killings and kidnappings in Millenium City, Maraban Rido, Kujama, Kajuru, Maro, villages in Kateri general area and other locations in adjoining LGAs of Kagarko, Kachia and Birnin Gwari. 

"This was in addition to his criminal acts in neighbouring states of Katsina and Niger which were also left reeling from the waves of his terrorism. 

"One of the most heinous acts perpetrated by Kachalla Sharme was the kidnapping of 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kujama, Kaduna State on 5th July 2021. 

"In the course of repelling Sharme and his gang of terrorists, two personnel of the security forces paid the supreme price. Residents of Rijana, Kaso, Kasarami, Jaka da-Rabi, Kajuru and Dutse general areas and beyond, are warned not to render any assistance to suspicious persons seeking treatment for gun wounds. 

“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 received will be treated with the highest sense of confidentiality.”