The condition of dozens of abducted students of Federal University, Gusau, Zamfara State and those of Dutsinma, Katsina State, is not known following the killing of bandits’ leader Ali Kachalla in an airstrike on Monday,
Kachalla, whose real name is Ali Kawaje, was reportedly killed during reconnaissance by Nigeria Air Force (NAF) at a location in Niger State.
There was no official statement on his killing from the military, but credible sources said he has been taken out.
A source involved in talks for the release of the abducted students and others said last night that Ali Kachalla has been killed.
He said, “Kachalla Ali’s killing by the military has been confirmed by his younger brother. We don’t know the implications on the Zamfara and Dutsinma students, the ongoing dialogue by the ONSA (office of the national security adviser), who will inherit his position, among other issues. We are meeting to discuss the issue,” the source said.
A relative also confirmed that the kingpin’s brother, Danlami with others were also killed.
In the past, there had been many stories alluding that Ali Kachalla was either killed or arrested, but all the stories turned out to be untrue as he continued to wreak havoc on hapless citizens.
This is the first time that credible sources within the security architecture, community leaders in Zamfara, and those with ample knowledge of happenings around the bandits all agreed that he has been killed.
It was learnt that the bandits’ kingpin was killed alongside other commanders and foot soldiers, in what security operatives described as “an unprecedented breakthrough”.
He was a vicious bandit who had committed countless atrocities around Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, Kaduna and other states.
He had raided many communities, abducted men, women and children, and also killed those who could not afford to pay ransom.
Sources said among his victims that are still in captivity are students of Federal University, Gusau, where he abducted over 50 students, mostly women on September 21, 2023.
They also include female students of Federal University, Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State, where on October 3, 2023, his boys invaded their rented apartment located behind Mariamoh Ajiri Memorial School, and shepherded them to the bushes without a trace.
On the day the abduction in Gusau varsity happened, Kachalla and his gang members reportedly stormed Sabon-Gida village near the university where students were being accommodated in private hostels and abducted scores of them at gunpoint.
It was learnt that besides the Zamfara and Dutsinma varsity students, there are dozens of hostages picked from many communities in his custody and many others under the firm grip of his lieutenants in various locations.
Even though some of our sources said it was very unlikely that the Zamfara or Dutsinma varsity students were among those bombed by the air force, the news of his death had raised fears among families and acquaintances of those abducted, especially in relation to their safety.
They said when the news of his death broke, many communities expressed gratitude to God for ending the life of the terror leader, who they said had inflicted havoc on their lives, pauperised them, forced many to leave their homes and farms and took refuge elsewhere.
However, it was learnt that the jubilation was short-lived, especially for those whose relatives were under his custody.
“Of course, we are happy Kawaje has been killed, just the way he mercilessly killed hundreds of our people over the years,” said Ma’aru Mamman, who now lives in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.
“It was pleasurable news that a lot of his protégés have been killed also…This means the claim that the bandits were elusive is not correct,” he said.
But Abubakar Tsafe, a trader in Gusau said many people have mixed feelings.
“After the initial jubilation, people started asking questions about the safety and whereabouts of dozens of people in his custody.
“Many people had prayed that he should be captured alive so that he would be compelled to produce all the people he stole.
“I have personally been receiving many calls since Monday, especially from outside Zamfara because some of the abducted students came from other states and their parents have never known peace since the time they were taken away,” he said.
“Our prayer is that the federal government will deploy every means available to ensure their safe return,” he said.
A community leader in Zamfara, who does not want to be named, commended the NAF’s exploit that led to the killing of Ali Kachalla.
Daily Trust