The notorious bandit commander, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, who masterminded the kidnapping of 121 students from Bethel Baptist school in Kaduna, along with other bandits, has been killed in a clash with a rival group.
Sharme and two other bandits were killed in a fierce gun duel, which also led to some kidnapped citizens being able to escape from captivity.
This information was contained in a statement issued by the Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, and made available to the press in Kaduna on Monday.
According to the statement, “intelligence reports issued by the military had reported that 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 statement noted that 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 local government areas of Kaduna state.
“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.
To this end,the statement declared that residents of Rijana, Kaso, Kasarami, Jaka da-Rabi, Kajuru and Dutse general areas and beyond, are warned not 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.
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