Notorious Bandit Commander Behind Kaduna Baptist School Abduction Killed in Gunfight

A notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Tukur Sharme, who orchestrated the abduction of 121 students from Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna State in 2021, has been killed in a violent fratricidal clash with a rival group. 

The Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement on Monday, September 23, 2024, noting that several other bandits were also killed, while others sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the incident that occurred.

 Sharme, who had been a major figure in various attacks, kidnappings, and cattle rustling across Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger States, met his end during a fierce gunfight in the Rijana and Kaso Forests.

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Aruwan added that the notorious bandit, who had long eluded security forces, was killed alongside two members of a rival gang, allowing several kidnapped victims to escape from captivity.

 Moreover, residents of affected areas have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds to security authorities.

“They are urged to contact the nearest security forces or reach the Kaduna State Security Operations Room,” said Aruwan, adding that any information received will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.