Tragedy as Abducted Ex-Kebbi APC Chairman Dies in Bandits’ Den

A former chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, has died in the custody of bandits months after his abduction.

The tragic development comes days after the death of a prominent cleric, Alhaji Muhammad Maibarga of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah wa Ikamatis-Sunnah (JIBWIS), who was kidnapped alongside the former APC chairman.

The two men had appeared in a disturbing video released by their captors from the notorious Birnin Gwari forest, where they were seen being humiliated while pleading for help.

The Kebbi State Police Command had earlier confirmed the death of the cleric on June 10, raising fears over the fate of the former APC chieftain.

Those fears were confirmed on Tuesday when security and conflict reporter Bakatsine disclosed that Besse had also died in captivity.

“DEVASTATING UPDATE: Alhaji Muhammadu Mai Barga Besse, the immediate former APC Chairman of Koko/Besse LGA in Kebbi State, has now also been confirmed dead in captivity,” Bakatsine wrote on his X handle.

“This means both men seen in the videos released from the Birnin Gwari forest have lost their lives without ever reuniting with their families after their abduction.”

The deaths have sparked fresh outrage and renewed concerns over the worsening insecurity across northern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom and deadly attacks by armed groups continue to plague rural communities.

Describing the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy, Bakatsine lamented the fate of the two victims.

“What began as disturbing footage of humiliation has ended in the worst possible tragedy. Two lives gone, two families shattered and more painful questions about the security crisis facing communities across northern Nigeria,” he added.

The latest deaths underscore the growing threat posed by bandit groups operating across parts of the North-West, despite ongoing military operations aimed at curbing their activities.

For the families of the victims, hopes of a joyful reunion have now been replaced by grief, as the nation once again confronts the devastating human cost of Nigeria’s lingering security crisis.